AMESBURY is a step closer to banning the drinking of alcohol in public areas in and around the town centre.

Town councillors this week drew up a list of areas they would like covered by a no-drinking order in a bid to reduce anti-social behaviour and under-age drinking.

The various zones will be considered by Salisbury district council's northern area committee and then go out to full public consultation.

The areas suggested for an alcohol ban are:

Holders Road sports field;

the town centre, including Smithfield Street, the curtilage of Amesbury Library, the Centre and the town centre car park;

Boscombe Road, including the area adjacent to Jaggard View, the area by the Spar shop, including the car park and pavements around the shop;

Harvard Way playing field;

the recreation ground, cemetery and Recreation Road.

Phil Rawlinson, the district council's community safety officer said that bringing in a ban on drinking alcohol in public places involved comprehensive public consultation.

He said: "The town council has proposed these areas and members of the public and local businesses are now encouraged to offer their opinions.