TIME has been called on antisocial drinking at a York village green, after it was declared an alcohol-free zone.

From tomorrow, booze will be banned at Scarcroft Green and in a number of surrounding streets, giving police the power to confiscate cans and bottles and move drinkers on.

The area's three Labour councillors, Dave Merrett, Dave Evans and Sandy Fraser, have been working to tackle antisocial behaviour on their patch.

Scarcroft Green, a grassed open space off Scarcroft Road, next to Scarcroft Primary School, is a popular place for young people to gather and drink, which has led to complaints of nuisance behaviour from local residents.

Coun Fraser said calling last orders at the green was part of the plan to make the antisocial behaviour dry up.

He agreed there could be concerns from residents who want to use the green for a picnic and quiet drink, but said a major public consultation had been held about the ban.

He said: "Now the lighter nights are here, we are anxious to avoid any reoccurrence of the nuisance behaviour. Making Scarcroft Green an alcohol-free zone can only help."

Coun Fraser said the needs of the area's young people had been taken into account.

He said the facilities and activities available for under-18s in the Micklegate area would be looked at.

"We want to try and encourage the young to have a good time without causing a nuisance. We are concerned the area is short of positive youth activities," Coun Fraser said.

PC Dave White, Micklegate ward manager, said the booze ban would make it easier to police the area.

He said: "We have had drinking not only on the green but in some of the streets surrounding it, such as at the back of Shaw's Terrace.

"We welcome the decision to make the area an alcohol-free zone. It will be a real help from a policing point of view."

Updated: 10:01 Thursday, April 22, 2004