STRONG backing has been given to banning drinking in the streets, during a series of alcohol roadshows in a North Yorkshire district.

North Yorkshire Police licensing officer John Tugwell took a mobile police unit through Malton, Pickering, Kirkbymoorside and Helmsley, focusing on a range of issues surrounding alcohol.

"I got a warm reception from visitors to the mobile station, and most wanted to discuss the planned street ban of alcohol," he said. The ban will not come into force before 2004 and is still subject to consultation.

There are plans to re-run the event during school holidays later this year.

Parish and town councillors are also being consulted about the proposed designated areas where alcohol would be banned.

Members of Norton Town Council discussed the proposals at their meeting last night.

The cemetery, King George playing field and St Nicholas Street could all be covered by the restrictions.

Councillors said they would also want to see restrictions extended to the Ryedale Skate Park and the vicinity of the railway and bus stations.

Updated: 11:02 Tuesday, April 15, 2003