A VILLAGE is seeking to stamp out public consumption of alcohol at two of its recreation areas.

Residents in Great Notley are working with police to secure a Drinking Places Order at the recreation area for teenagers, called The RAFT, and children's play area next to the community centre.

Claire Sandbrook, a district and parish councillor for the village, said there have been "intermittent" problems with young people drinking alcohol in public.

She said: "It is not a huge problem but the good thing about Great Notley is we do have a community spirit and I feel we are prepared to tackle it, even though it is a small problem."

Sgt Dave Wright of Braintree police said the parish council asked the recently formed neighbourhood action panel to gather information over a six-month period as evidence to support the application for the banning order.

An application would then be made to Braintree Council, and if given the go ahead, would be enforced by police.

However, Sgt Wright said it was also important to consider whether an order would move the problems with public drinking elsewhere.

Police are also using new powers to move people on if they are causing alcohol-related disorder.