DRUNKEN yobs could be driven out of Crewe town centre in time for Christmas as part of a police and council crackdown on anti-social behaviour.

New legislation banning people from drinking alcohol in public places could be in force in time for this year's festive celebrations, officials revealed this week.

Police will work with the council and the public to draw up maps outlining proposed alcohol exclusion zones in Crewe's drink-related crime hotspots, including the town's public spaces and play areas.

The Nantwich Road area and much of the town centre could also be effectively covered by an alcohol-free 'blanket' which experts believe would drive down anti-social behaviour.

Under the proposal, anyone found drinking in the zones would have their alcohol seized, and failure to surrender the booze would lead to arrest or an on-the-spot fine.

Waldron councillor Eddie Ankers said: "We are trying to get a blanket ban across play areas, open spaces and parts of Crewe town centre, Nantwich Road and other affected areas.

"We hope it will be in place by Christmas to stop the trouble which spills out onto the streets caused by drink.

"I think if it is blocked by anyone they will be onto a loser because it is what everyone wants in the town."

Anti-booze campaigners believe the zones would not only reduce crime and anti-social behaviour, but also reduce litter and vandalism and make the town more aesthetically appealing.

Council chiefs will use public information to draw up a proposed map of the zones, which have to be identified using solid evidence as areas suffering from drink-related crime.

The plans would then go before the council and a public consultation before enforcement could begin, subject to statutory notices.

Police believe the zones in Crewe would be as effective as they have been in other South Cheshire towns, including Congleton, Macclesfield and Knutsford, where drink crime has fallen dramatically.

A police spokesman said: "We're trying to identify the areas where the zones would be most effective.

"The obvious ones are Nantwich Road, Crewe town centre, play areas and public spaces.

"We are hoping that some of the zones will be effective from early December to catch the Christmas drink rush.

"We currently have power to take drink off under-18s but this would give us the power to seize it from adults in the zones.

"It would stop trouble before it starts and it would be part of our whole package of action to combat drink-related problems."

Residents who believe their area is particularly blighted by drink-related crime should call David Burns at the borough council on 01270 537602.