CIVIC chiefs have promised to reclaim the streets of Fareham from the yobs when the town centre becomes an alcohol-free zone in less than two weeks' time.

Councillors unanimously agreed a ban on drinking alcohol in public places should be introduced on March 1.

The new by-law aims to put a stop to nuisance and under age drinking problems which blight the town centre.

The whole of central Fareham is included in an area which stretches as far outside town as Fareham Leisure Centre.

If the scheme is successful, it will be extended to other problem areas in the borough - including Portchester, Stubbington and Locks Heath.

Council leader Councillor Sean Woodward said: "We want to improve the lot of people in this borough in terms of

vandalism and antisocial behaviour.

"It really will help to give more powers to the police to reclaim the town centre, particularly in the evenings but sometimes in the day, from drunken louts who pester and offend right-minded people and their families every day.

"We need to sweep them away. Hopefully this ban will bite."

The area covered by the ban takes in Eastern Way, Wallington Way, Wickham Road, High Street, Archery Lane, Trinity Street, Park Lane, Miller Drive, Arundel Drive, Lee Road, Gordon Road, Fareham railway station, The Gillies, Quay Street roundabout, the shoreline and Deanes Park Road.

The by-law gives police the power to seize alcohol from anyone causing a nuisance.

If the culprit refuses to stop drinking, they can be arrested.

Police back the move, which has been successful in other towns, including Andover.

A total of £5,000 has been put aside to implement the scheme.