THE streets of Fareham have become an alcohol-free zone today.

The ban on drinking alcohol in public places is a joint police and council effort to tackle violent crime and reclaim the town centre from yobs.

They hope that the new by-law, which came into force at midnight, will put a stop to nuisance and under-age drinking problems which blight Fareham.

The whole of the town centre is included in an area which stretches as far out of town as Fareham Leisure Centre.

Inspector Simon Wrigglesworth, Fareham's sector inspector, said: "The alcohol exclusion area will enable us to take positive action against those who cause local residents and visitors to Fareham misery and distress.

"While the vast majority of people are sensible and considerate, the few who gather to drink alcohol in our town centre and use anti-social behaviour will find the police taking a firm line."

Civic chief Councillor Sean Woodward added: "Fareham is by no means a violent town, but it is experiencing a trend which nationally is seeing increasing violence and anti-social behaviour.

"The council has a duty to the people of Fareham and visitors to the area to support any measure which will make our communities safer and restore the confidence of people to visit in the evening."

The area covered by the ban takes in Eastern Way, Wallington Way, Wickham Road, High Street, Archery Lane, Trinity Street, Park Lane, Miller Drive, Arundel Drive, Lee Road, Gordon Road, Fareham railway station, The Gillies, Quay Street roundabout, the shoreline and Deanes Park Road.

The by-law, part of the Criminal Justice Police Act 2001, gives police the power to seize alcohol if the culprit refuses to stop drinking. It is now an arrestable offence for anyone to drink alcohol within the area after being asked not to by a police officer.

If the scheme is successful, it will be extended to other problem areas in the borough, including Portchester, Stubb-ington and Locks Heath.