AN alcohol-free zone in Okehampton could soon be on the cards — town council members on Monday voted unanimously to set up such a scheme.

The council strongly supported the proposal of an alcohol exclusion zone in order to tackle disorder which occurs as a result of alcohol consumption in certain areas of the town.

Councillors hope the ban will enable police to deal with nuisance caused by groups of over 18s drinking on the streets and in the parks.

West Devon Borough Council has the power to introduce the alcohol ban for public places where anti-social behaviour takes place.

As the Times went to press, Okehampton Town Council had submitted their request for an alcohol free zone to West Devon Borough Council.

The next stage is to consult with the police, landowners and owners of licensed premises to see what they think of the ban.

A formal decision will then be made by the borough whether to proceed, followed by the production of a draft order, which is then advertised, allowing for a 28-day consultation period.

Representations received following the consultation period are considered and amendments are made as necessary.

Signage is then arranged, the order is made and advertised, signs are erected, and finally the ban comes into force.

An alcohol-free zone in Okehampton — although the areas in which the ban will be enforced have yet to be finalised — has been welcomed by some local residents.

One Okehampton resident spoke of her concern for the elderly population in the town centre.

She said: 'My concern are these unpleasant and intimidating people who harass individuals.

'They constantly seem to be on the streets, drinking in full view of everyone.

'I hear daily from residents after they have returned from a visit to the town — what was once a very enjoyable trip to a local café to catch up with friends and then a spot of shopping, has now changed into fear of bumping into these rogues.

'Every day I hear the same thing, "Why is nothing being done to save our town from these unwelcome undesirables?"'

Okehampton mayor Kay Bickley said she feels the ban would benefit both the young and the elderly in the town.

'I think we should proceed with the ban and we should do it for the people who feel vulnerable.

'This is a long and slow process but we need to set the wheels in motion so we can start the process of putting an alcohol-free zone in the town.'

But Cllr Adrian Raymond, said he was not too sure the ban would have the desired effect.

'I agree that something needs to be done but I don't think that banning alcohol from the streets is the way to go, as they will find somewhere else just outside the zone in some residential area — they would figure out somewhere else to go.'

Okehampton Sgt Mark Hoar said police would support anything which would encourage the sensible use of alcohol.

'We will support projects which promote sensible and safe drinking in Okehampton.

'Our main priority would be to take alcohol and alcohol containers off the streets.'