PUBLIC open spaces in Ferndown town centre could have an alcohol ban under a new scheme currently being considered.

The town council has backed the proposed ban on drinking alcohol in the town centre, in Penny's Walk by Tesco supermarket and the King George V playing fields, and areas between the two points, which are used as gathering points for groups at night.

Town councillors on the environment committee asked deputy town clerk Paul Falconbridge to write to East Dorset District Council, to set the wheels in motion to make their request a reality.

Dorset Police has backed their move, as the ban will allow police not just to move people on but to seize alcohol.

After the meeting, Ferndown mayor Lesley Dedman said: "Ferndown has no real problems with unruly behaviour overall, but we have listened to the concerns of our residents about a few areas in the town.

"The council will do all we can to reduce any problem, so we are requesting an alcohol ban in certain parts of Ferndown.

"We accept that this is not a panacea, but we have the full backing of our community police and expect our request to be supported."

Police Constable Mark Greening, Ferndown Safer Neighbourhood officer, said groups of around 10 were congregating, and were often old enough to legally drink.

"It gives us power to deal with those individuals effectively.

"We can look to seize alcohol. If people refuse to give up alcohol they can be dealt with within the law."

PC Greening said the police were also keen to work within Pact, which would be up and running as a strong group within a few months, as all the partner organisations could sit around a table and talk through issues.

An East Dorset District Council spokesman said they would review the request when received, and there would be a lot of consultation before anything was introduced.