DRINKING alcohol will be banned in parks in Epping under new regulations set out by the district council.

People could be prosecuted if they consume alcohol on Lower Swaines playing fields, Stonards Hill recreation ground and the football ground.

The regulation has been bought in by Epping Forest District Council, so that police can confiscate alcohol from people in these areas.

Although the new rules are designed to prevent anti-social behaviour, some people think it will encourage groups of youths to move on elsewhere.

Gladys Hart, 80 from Epping said: "Young people drink in the parks because there is nowhere else for them to go. It's far better for them to drink in the park than on the high street."

Chelsea Robinson, 17 from Stonards, Epping said: "I don't agree with it. If you go out with your family for a picnic then you should be able to have a drink.

"If someone wants to drink alcohol outside then they will find a way and will just go somewhere else instead. Surely it's better for them to drink in a park, out of the way, than on the streets."

Julie Taylor, from Epping said the route of the problem needs to be solved.

She added: "Children need somewhere to go and something to do. I don't agree with them drinking in the parks and vandalising the play areas that we have, however, if we are going to keep moving them on, where will they go and what will they do?"

Lana Busher, 42 from Lindsay Street, Epping thought the restrictions were a good idea.

She added: "People shouldn't be allowed to drink in any park because they should be a place for children."

Cynthia Scott from Epping agreed.

She said: "People drinking outside is a bad influence on children. There are plenty of other places people can drink, such as a pub or their garden."

The district council's Safer Communities Manager Caroline Wiggins said the areas would become alcohol free zones because of reports of repeated anti-social behaviour related to the consumption of alcohol.

She added: "The Designated Public Place Orders, when made, will allow the Police to use their confiscation powers to enforce the restriction but only in relation to any anti-social behaviour. Their effectiveness will be reviewed within two years."