Councillors have backed a possible extension to measures designed to crack down on street drinking in areas like Otley and Guiseley.

A public space protection order (PSPO) was brought in by Leeds City Council in 13 different areas in 2017. The order allows anyone consuming alcohol in a prohibited area to be fined.

Parts of Otley, Yeadon, Horsforth and Guiseley were covered by the initial order, which was later extended for a further three years in 2020.

The council is now considering renewing the PSPO again, ahead of its expiry in November.

Speaking at a council community committee meeting in Otley on Monday, local councillors from across Leeds’ outer north-west area indicated they were in favour of it continuing.

Councillor Colin Campbell, who represents Otley and Yeadon as a Liberal Democrat said: “It may not be used as much as it was years ago when it was first introduced, mainly because kids have stopped drinking alcohol now.

“But it’s still a tool in the police’s arsenal.”

Councillor Raymond Jones, who represents Horsforth for Labour, said he was happy for the order to be extended, but questioned the “economics of it”, given stretched police resources.

He told the meeting: “My feelings are you can put signs up all over the place, but we don’t have enough police to enforce it.”

The PSPO is mainly targeted around town centres and busy shopping areas, as well as parks.

Farsley and Pudsey are also covered by the order.

Senior leaders will make a final decision on whether or not to extend the PSPO this autumn.