DRINKING in the street in Bexley Village could be banned if residents and businesses give the idea the thumbs-up.

The proposal is being put forward by the police after residents identified alcohol-fuelled disorder and anti-social behaviour as a major cause of concern in the village.

Bexley Council's licensing committee heard during the past 18 months the High Street and the area near the station have suffered from graffiti, criminal damage, assaults, and abusive behaviour, which were all fuelled by alcohol, as well as under-age drinking.

There is also a problem with drinkers spilling out onto the streets, especially in warm weather, and moving from pub to pub with drinks in hand.

A major concern is under-age drinking in open spaces such as St Mary's recreation ground.

Police are working with parents to try and resolve the problem.

Safer Neighbourhoods police sergeant for the area Alison Bateman told the committee: "We will not be targeting people who are not causing problems and we will not be grabbing drinkers off the streets.

"We will just encourage them to go back into the pubs."

A similar ban in the centre of Bexleyheath resulted in an average of 30 open containers of alcohol being taken from drinkers every week.

Public consultations on declaring the village a controlled area for drinking will now begin before a final decision is made.