WINCHESTER civic chiefs want to extend the alcohol exclusion zone introduced to clampdown on public drunkenness.

The zone was introduced in July 2005 to deal with drunks who congregated in city centre parks. It made it an offence to drink in public if told to stop by a policeman. While the problem in central areas has eased, drinkers have moved on to River Park, near the leisure centre, and into Hyde.

The city council is investigating extending the zone, either into Hyde, or across the whole city.

However, senior councillors believe it is important to use outreach workers to help tackle the root cause of the problem and persuade drinkers to seek help.

The Trinity drop-in centre undertook a research project for a multi-agency group which recommends specialist workers be employed to work with the drinkers and that the AEZ be extended citywide.

Frank Pearson, portfolio holder for environment, health and safety, said the extension was dependent on securing the funding for the workers.

Cllr Pearson said: "The worry is that the zone just disperses the drinkers. Then, if there is nowhere else for them to go, they will go back into the city centre and you are back to square one.

"That is why the outreach work with the Trinity Centre is needed. Doing nothing is not an option," he said.

Lib Dem councillor Jim Maynard raised the issue at full council, pointing out the worsening problem in the North Walls and Hyde areas.