The green light has been given for the next stage of plans to curb anti-social drinking in public.

The council vote comes after a successful consultation over a Designated Public Place Order for Ashford town centre and surrounding parks and open spaces.

A total 95 per cent of those asked wanted a zone and Ashford Borough Council’s executive committee has extended the area after being asked by some consultees.

It will now take in the town centre, North and Victoria Parks, the areas around Ashford International Station and the Stour Centre, Queen Mother’s Park and Bowen’s Field wetlands.

The next stage will see the publication of the legal notice, which gives the public 28 days to respond again.

If the responses are supportive the council expects the initiative, which is led by Kent Police, to be in force by this July.

Under this, it is an offence, punishable by a maximum fine of £500, to refuse to stop drinking if police ask you to.

Cllr Michael Claughton (Con), portfolio holder for licensing and community safety, told last Thursday’s meeting: “This in no way prevents people from enjoying a drink in the open air in a sensible and orderly fashion.

“These measures are for anti-social behaviour.”