Plans to ban people in Grove from drinking alcohol in outdoor public places have been aban- doned.

Grove Parish Council was investigating the possibility of introducing a by-law similar to one implemented in Wantage last year.

But the idea has been ditched after it was discovered that police already had the power to take alcohol away from people who were causing a disturbance in a public place.

Parish council chairman Peter Hadcroft said: "We only have one problem area in Mary Green, situated behind Millbrook Square.

"Police now have the power to confiscate alcohol from people in public places, which means it is not worth pursuing the by-law. The fact that police already have adequate powers means it is just not a viable option."

The Wantage by-law allows police to confiscate alcohol from revellers in specific public spaces in Wantage, such as the Market Place, if officers believe drinkers' behaviour is threatening other people.

Insp Stewart Haveron, of Wantage Police, said: "The by-law is a useful tool to have on our side when dealing with anti-social behaviour where drink is a factor."

County and district councillor for Wantage Jim Moley added: "This has been a useful scheme in Wantage.

"I think that people are generally concerned about crime and more than anything it has given reassurance to people, particularly the older population who are generally more worried about crime."