NEW laws to curb youths who drink in public places are to come into effect in Faringdon on March 6.

People caught drinking in certain streets, car parks and parks in Faringdon could face fines of £500.

The new bylaws make it a criminal offence to carry on drinking outside licensed premises after an initial warning from police.

Police and the Vale of White Horse District Council will now be able to take legal action against anyone who disobeys.

June Rennie, Faringdon town clerk, said the town and Vale councils, along with police, had applied to the Home Office to approve the laws in a bid to halt troublesome drinkers. She said: "It's been an on-going thing for a very long time here. The Faringdon Residents' Association and police expressed concern about kids who congregate in the town centre making a nuisance of themselves.

"Sometimes very young kids get hold of alcohol and sit there all day drinking. In large numbers they can be very intimidating. It was becoming a problem, so the councils decided to act to give police the more powers."

Some residents were concerned that families could no longer enjoy a bottle of wine with a picnic in parks.

But the law is discretionary and Mrs Rennie said it was unlikely a family would be stopped. She said: "We probably had the worst problem with groups of youths drinking in the parks. I think it's highly unlikely families will be stopped. It just gives police more power to stop under age and excessive drinking by young people."

David Quayle, the Vale council's solicitor, said: "The bylaws will reduce both the number of drink related incidents and the level of anti-social behaviour."

Story date: Tuesday 15 February

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