POOLE’S vibrant Ashley Cross district, home to a dozen pubs and bars, could soon be covered by an order limiting alcohol consumption.

Dorset Police want civic officials to extend Poole town centre’s Designated Public Place Order into Ashley Cross.

If the idea is approved, police will have powers to seize alcohol from people drinking on the streets and on the town green.

It will not be an offence to drink in the area, but failure to comply with an officer’s request to stop drinking could end in arrest.

Parkstone ward councillor Sally Carpenter, who is set to take part in discussion of the issue at Newtown and Parkstone area committee tonight, said: “This is really a case of prevention being better than cure.

“The police have pointed out areas within the borough where we should be extending the town centre DPPO.

“It is a recommendation at this stage. Ashley Cross is not necessarily a problem area, I’ve had no complaints of problems here.

“But there is a little bit of concern about the numbers of premises seeking licences. We have to act sensibly to ensure local residents are happy.”

People who spoke to the Daily Echo at Ashley Cross mostly felt the area was a safe place to live and work.

However, neighbour Jenny Kenyon said: “I used to walk the dog on Saturday and Sunday and there were empty cans all over the park.

“I don’t object to people enjoying themselves.

“They can have a drink if they want, but I would ask them to clear up afterwards.”

Cllr Carpenter insisted any order would not affect regular events on the green, such as the Party In The Park celebration. The park functions need to have separate licences anyway so they will still go ahead,” she explained.