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LARGE areas of Test Valley, including all of Andover and Charlton, are to become designated public places where it will be an offence to drink alcohol after being told not to by police.

The powers come into force on 1 August but borough Liberal Democrat councillors were unhappy the measure had taken more than a year to reach this stage - after being recommended by Cllr Alan Dowden in June 2007. "The damage caused by antisocial behaviour has been very costly to parish councils and to this council and I will be very disappointed if it isn't in place by the summer holidays," Mr Dowden told a full council meeting.

There were hopes Shipton Bellinger could be included in the list of prohibited places but councillors were told further consultation was needed before it can be scheduled.

Cllr Sandra Hawke, the cabinet member for health and social well-being, said: "There has to be another 28 days then it will be legalised and we can go for it.

"Unfortunately the plans for Shipton Bellinger will have to go through the same process and take a little longer.

"But we have to go through a long-winded due process."

Under the regulations police officers or community safety officers, properly accredited, have the power to control the consumption of alcohol within the designated area - regardless of the age of the individual.

The powers mean officers can require drinkers to stop drinking and can confiscate alcohol even if the drinking container is unopened.

9:13am Friday 4th July 2008

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