WINSFORD'S parks look set to be made alcohol-free zones as campaigners step up the fight against drink-fuelled disorder.
Residents have fought for seven months to ban drunken yobs from Over and Wharton recreational parks - and the council's legal department have looked at the matter.
Mike Kennedy, of the Winsford Residents' Federation, said: 'It looks like it's going to happen and I'm absolutely ecstatic - this could be a big step forward for Winsford.
'If this ban comes into force it will benefit parks significantly. Residents are overjoyed at the prospect. Links between anti-social behaviour and alcohol are all too clear. It's time we did something about it.'
If given the go-ahead, the ban will see the two parks being protected by Designated Public Place Orders (DPPOs), which will mean prohibition notices placed around the parks. Police would also have power to confiscate alcohol and fine drunken rule-flouting yobs.
Vale Royal Borough Council says there is still work to be done before the ban can be made definite. John Roberts, community safety manager, said: 'The good news is that the legal department has said we can proceed with DPPOs on both parks. What this means is there should be sufficient evidence to overcome any objection against an alcohol ban.
'There is still some process to go through. We need to notify the public, neighbouring landowners and any licensees in the area. We must then allow 28 days for objections, but hopefully there won't be any.'
The parks would become the first public areas in Winsford to be protected by the special orders.
