EASTLEIGH'S streets could soon become alcohol-free as council bosses urgently step up their fight against the antisocial behaviour that has plagued the town.

Over the past few years cases of alcohol-related trouble in the town have increased, with mass brawls and gangs of drunks on the recreation ground a familiar sight.

After several calls from fed-up residents and businesses in the area, councillors have agreed to begin the process of getting a ban on drinking alcohol in public across the whole of Eastleigh town.

Once in place, a Designated Public Place Order would give police the power to confiscate alcohol from anyone found drinking within the zone, or to issue £50 spot fines to those who refuse to stop.

Councillors on the Eastleigh Local Area Committee voted unanimously for the ban.

Earlier this month one of the town centre's most troubled pubs, the Home Tavern, had its late licence removed after a mass brawl that spilled out into the streets in December.

The same process also saw the closure of the notorious Earth Club and Bar last September after police received more than 140 reported incidents of trouble.

It is hoped that the Designated Public Place Order, if successful like those used in Fareham and Winchester, will be in place by late summer.

Charles Stone, who runs a business in the area, was one resident who called for the order at the meeting.

He said: "Last summer and the summer before my wife and I have run the gauntlet of much abuse and threats in the recreation area from drunk people.

The police will be formally consulted once the process to implement the ban has been started.