A PROPOSED booze ban could go ahead in Leigh after it won the support of the town council.

The alcohol exclusion zone, suggested by the Leigh Crime Prevention Panel, would be imposed along the Cinder Path between Bell Wharf and Chalkwell railway station.

Members of the town council's finance and general purposes committee voted to support the ban due to problems with vandalism of shelters in the area.

Peter Dolby, chairman of the town council, (St Clements) said: "The police find it difficult to police the Cinder Path. Because there's no vehicle access it has to be on foot. If kids are there underage drinking the police won't have to say how old are you?', they can just arrest them or seize the alcohol."

If Southend Council agrees to impose the zone it would cost £10,000 in signs, consultation costs and public notices, and could take four to six months to get up and running.

However, town councillors hoped it would be a positive move to prevent groups of youths vandalising the shelters at night.

Town councillor Mike Dolby (Bonchurch) said: "If the police can police it properly then we won't be asked to help pay for redecorating shelters as much as we are at the moment, which will save our residents money."

Town councillor Caro-line Parker, (Elms) said she did not know if the zone put an end to problems in the area, but something had to be done.

She added: "Quite a lot of people are afraid to walk along the Cinder Path when there is a group of youths. Whether it works is a matter to be seen, but it shows we are trying."