POWERS introduced this week to allow police to seize alcohol from people drinking in parks will not stop anti-social behaviour according to young people.

The new Designated Public Place Order (DPPO) covers Stonards Hill and Lower Swaines recreation grounds in Epping and allows police or “accredited persons” to order people to stop drinking.

The powers have been introduced by the district council following reports of troublemakers in the parks but young people in the town believe they do not address the real problems.

Mark Harrendence, 22 said: “People go up to Stonards Hill so they are out of the way and don't get into trouble drinking in the town. There's nowhere for people to go.

"Teenagers get into trouble because there's nothing to do. There's not even a swimming pool, there's nothing. Rather than banning people from drinking alcohol they need to put the time into finding something for them to do.”

Scott Williams, 20 added: “It could be a good idea if they had told people about it, but I didn't even know. I don't make a habit of going out drinking but if I did then I wouldn't appreciate the police taking my beer away from me.”

Darren Candler, 17 said there needs to be somewhere for young people to go.

He added: “We have got parks but if you look at them there's nothing there for teenagers. It's all for kids.

"They need to make a controlled area for people to go where they can do what they want, within reason, and they won't get moved on or into trouble. At least then they are altogether. They move people on but never tell you where you can go.”

But Rachel Sutton, 18, of Springfields in Epping 18 thought it was a good idea.

She said: “You get teenagers getting into trouble, especially at Stonards Hill. They smash bottles and leave it in a mess for all the kids who want to play in the park.”

Essex Police have insisted that the new rules are not intended to disrupt peaceful activities.

Epping Inspector Craig Carrington said: “These orders will only affect those who are drinking alcohol and causing a nuisance or are likely to cause a nuisance within the zone areas.

"My officers will deal positively with any offenders in a bid to reduce anti-social behaviour, disorder and criminal damage.

"We want to ensure our community remains a safe and attractive place for people to live, visit and socialise.”