A POLICE chief is backing proposals for a “no alcohol zone” in the heart of Leigh.

Insp Dave Colwell believes a booze ban is just what the town needs to stamp out problems with drunken antisocial behaviour.

It has been proposed the zone would cover the Broadway, Leigh Road, and the Old Town, where groups of young people often hang around and swig beer.

A ban would give officers the power to confiscate alcohol and then dispose of it. If the culprits refuse to co-operate they could face a fine or even arrest.

Mr Colwell, from Leigh police, said “It will stop people walking around and drinking in the streets, and it will assist officers because they will be able to seize alcohol from people of all ages and pour it away.

“Leigh Broadway and Leigh Road are a very busy shopping centre and I think some people feel it doesn’t really mix with people walking along carrying alcohol in cans or bottles.”

He believes it would particularly help in certain areas, such as the Cinder Path, where groups often gather to have a drink.

Peter Dolby, town councillor and chairman of the Leigh Crime Prevention Panel, said: “We put signs up about two years ago warning police patrol the area.

“But we’ve had more recent incidents of high-spirited youngsters and have discussed what to do at the crime prevention panel. “There were incidents after the exams finished with younsgters who’d had too much to drink.

“The police and town council are supportive of the zone.

“We want to try to control the enthusiasm of the minority which impinges on the majority of people who want to walk in the Old Town.”

The zone was proposed by Leigh councillor Peter Wexham during Southend Council’s economic and enviromental scrutiny committee in July.

A formal plan is now expected to go before the council.