A BY-LAW to stop people drinking on Ilkley's streets is being considered by the parish council as part of a Pubwatch scheme.

The council is looking at slapping a ban on drinking on street corners and people wandering from pub to pub carrying drinks.

Councillor Audrey Brand said at a meeting of the council on Monday: "We should support something like this. We had a drive on young people drinking not so long ago and we had the police involved. It is a big problem and if we can do anything to stop people from drinking on the streets then we should."

Kate Brown, the chairman of the parish council said after the meeting: "The public and the police are

concerned with the number of people that go from pub to pub carrying drinks or bottles in their hands.

"The police are quite interested in the idea of getting a by-law to stop drinking on the streets. "

Coun Brown did point out that the council was concerned that a by-law may restrict people from drinking at outdoor events.

She said: "The problem would be if people wanted to enjoy a glass of wine at a picnic at the riverside."

Inspector Paul Clynch, of Ilkley Police, said: "We are concerned regarding possible public disorder problems with people drinking in the streets, particularly using glasses. There are a lot of people who do drink on the streets, especially in warm weather and we are looking to improve people's feeling of safety when they are going through the town."

l What do you think? Is drinking in the street a big problem? Write to

us at the Ilkley Gazette, 8 Wells Road, Ilkley, LS29 9JD

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