Parish councillors in Silsden are asking police to step up their fight against under-age drinking after many youngsters were openly seen drinking alcohol in the streets over the festive period.

At a recent meeting of the parish council, Councillor Alan Edwards, who is also a school governor, called on the police to speak to town's shopkeepers.

He said: "Obviously, shops in Silsden are selling children alcohol. Can we write to the police and ask them to visit all the shops in Silsden and remind them of what their obligation is. There are children walking around at 11pm and midnight with cans of beer. They must be getting it from somewhere."

Other councillors agreed and suggested calling on Bradford council to create a by-law banning the consumption of alcohol in the streets.

Inspector Paul Spencer, of Keighley police, whose job it is to police Silsden, says his officers are always monitoring under-age drinking in the town.

He says: "Additionally, I know for a fact that the community constable has recently visited a number of off licences in the area in respect of that issue." Insp Spencer says before Bradford council would consider introducing a by-law the problem would have to be monitored for six-month.

He says: "The consensus is that a by-law would not take us on any further than where we are. We have legislation for the confiscation of alcohol which is easier for us to manage and sufficient for our needs."