THE area covered by a drinking ban in a Hampshire borough is being increased in a bid to cut down on anti-social behaviour.

Members of the Fareham's executive committee have agreed to support the proposal for an extension of the existing Designated Public Place Order (DPPO) for the borough.

The extended area includes Fareham South, the boundaries of Fareham Creek and the disused railway line between Fareham and Gosport, incorporating Salterns Quay and the surrounding area.

Fareham Borough Council has been working closely with Hampshire police looking at ways of targeting yobbish behaviour and believe this is one way of cracking down and also focusing on under age drinking.

Executive member for public protection, Arthur Mandry, said: "The proposal to extend the DPPO was instigated following complaints from residents about the regular disturbance caused by the unacceptable behaviour of people drinking alcohol in these areas.

"Working in partnership with the police we hope this will help tackle the threat to our residents' quality of life.

"Members of the public should note that the police will only exercise their powers of confiscation and/or arrest where drinking is accompanied by anti-social behaviour which is likely to cause concern or alarm."

The area covered by the order is not as large as was originally proposed, which would have included Portchester, Stubbington and Locks Heath village centre.

It came after concerns that the original order introduced last year was simply pushing the problem into other areas.

Speaking about the change, Fareham police's chief inspector, Kerry Bedford, said: "The order in the town area has been successful.

"However, it is important that we do respond to changing circumstances, as in this case."