A GROUND-BREAKING initiative has been launched to reclaim York's parks and open spaces from rowdy boozers.

Police officers have been given new powers to confiscate alcohol and arrest drinkers at three sites across the city - including the village of Upper Poppleton.

City of York Council set up the offensive under the new Criminal Justice and Police Act following scores of complaints about intimidating gangs of drinkers.

Three areas have been earmarked for the new order following widespread consultation involving parish councils, local residents and police officers. They are: Glen Gardens, in East Parade, Heworth; land behind Poppleton Community Centre, in Main Street, Upper Poppleton, and the Museum Gardens.

The latter has already had a by-law in force banning alcohol which will now be replaced by the new tougher order. Police were not able to confiscate alcohol under the old bylaw.

Council regulation unit manager Dick Haswell said the authority was also considering imposing similar orders in various other areas.

"The order is designed to stop people being intimidated by the actions of people under the influence," he said.

"If anybody is seen drinking in these three designated areas the police can now order them to stop and confiscate the alcohol. An arrest can be made if they refuse.

"Officers do have discretionary powers on how to deal with the situation."

He stressed that it would not be an offence to drink, but to continue drinking after being asked to stop by police.

The orders come into force on July 1.

York licensing officer PC Ashley Fitzhugh said: "Areas like Glen Gardens have been plagued by drinkers for some time. It can be very intimidating and deter people from going.

"This new legislation gives us more powers to deal with the problem. In the past there was little we could do.

"We're hoping the order will act as a useful deterrent. It's designed to protect certain areas and make them more open to other members of the community.

"We will obviously be monitoring how successful it is."

Upper Poppleton councillor Janet Hopton said: "The reason the community requested an order was that a lot of young people were gathering behind the centre and causing a nuisance. I think alcohol was a big factor in the vandalism we were getting.

"This new initiative is one way to regain control of the premises and keep it vandal-free."

Updated: 11:48 Wednesday, June 19, 2002