DRINKING in Fareham town centre could be banned if a by-law is backed by councillors.

The move follows a failed previous attempt to ban drinking in the town centre.

Despite a police clampdown on drink-related incidents in the town centre, Fareham borough councillor Pete Maunder wants a stronger line to be taken, especially in warm weather. He is considering proposing the by-law.

He said he was not suggesting a blanket ban on drinking.

"I like a drink as much as anyone, but I think the town centre does have a problem with groups of drinkers that is bound to get even worse in the summer as people tend to stay out when the weather is good," he added.

"It's not about pubs and cafs that have licences it's about people who just loiter around knocking back the wine and lager in public places which is particularly intimidating when the shops close but the groups remain."

Fareham resident Ken Nash, 81, said: "I would definitely support the idea of a ban on drinking, there are enough pubs around here for them to go to and it just isn't nice to see people in groups drinking away."

But Chief Insp Gareth Jones, of Fareham police, said: "Although these by-laws sound good on the face of it I would imagine it simply moves the problem from one area to another. If we banned alcohol from West Street then it would most likely turn up in the recreation grounds.