Areas in a town could soon become alcohol-free if plans are approved by councillors.

In a bid to curb anti-social behaviour Shefford Town Council is pressing ahead with the idea of making the town an alcohol-free zone.

The issue has been under debate by councillors for several months but now they have teamed up with Bedfordshire Police and Mid Beds District Council and are currently putting an application together for consideration.

Town clerk Geoff Barham said: "We have compiled a list of around 20 to 30 roads, which we think should become alcohol-free zones.

"We have been told that we can't really have a blanket cover for the whole town as the plans probably won't be approved so we have had to pinpoint the main nuisance areas in the town."

Community safety officer at Mid Beds Dave Rollings is currently putting an application together and Beds Police will also have their say on where the final areas will be.

Mr Barham added: "The hope is that if the plans are approved and the zones are put in place, that it will curb anti-social behaviour and reduce the amount of youths drinking on streets.

"The only thing that's a worry is when this has been used in other areas the youngsters figure out the boundaries and if they are stopped by police they will move into the zones that alcohol is allowed.

"But all in all I think it should really help the alcohol-fuelled problems we have been having in Shefford."

The final decision will be made at a committee meeting of Mid Beds District Council at a date to be arranged.