Shefford could soon become an alcohol free zone.

Councillors discussed the issue at a meeting last Friday after it was brought up by beat manager Pc Steve Busby who thought the town would benefit from the strict ruling that no alcohol can be consumed outside.

The town council was in agreement but felt that specific roads and areas should be named alcohol free instead of the whole town.

Pc Busby said: "It has really escalated since the smoking ban came into force and people have been congregating outside leaving empty bottles and causing trouble to passers by.

"We have had a lot of complaints about it and this will just be a way of keeping trouble to a minimum and not upsetting local residents."

Town clerk Geoff Barham said: "It is something that the council has thought about before but it was discussed on Friday after it was brought up by our beat manager.

"I think the town would definitely benefit from the policy as a lot of minor crimes and vandalism such as smashed windows and damage to property are caused by excessive drinking.

"No specific areas have been mentioned yet but I think the town centre would be a prime place as the majority of trouble is caused when people are kicked out of the pubs."

The town has been dogged with incidents of anti social behaviour and vandalism over the last several years.

And councillors are now worried about the problems the new Tesco Express store will cause, as it will be selling alcohol till 11pm every night.

A meeting is due to be held tomorrow night (Wednesday, October 10) to discuss the matter at length.

For the full story see Friday, October 5 edition of the Biggleswade Chronicle.