COMMUNITY leaders have called for a ban on street drinking in a south Liverpool suburb.

Councillors responsible for the Allerton Road area want a controlled alcohol zone along the main road to halt what they claim is escalating trouble caused by drinkers.

The increase in popularity of pavement cafes has seen up to 12 licensed premises open between the Allerton Maze roundabout and the library, in the Mossley Hill area

Police are said to be frustrated by rising flashpoints along the road, which has become a popular nightspot.

With that in mind, Cllr Richard Kemp and his two ward colleagues have asked for a ban on people drinking outdoors after being inundated with complaints from residents.

But the Liberal Democrat deputy group leader last night said he was disappointed that Liverpool Council had yet to implement the idea, instead asking officers from the South Liverpool Licensee Watch to visit alleged problem venues.

If that fails to improve the situation, the ban proposal will be discussed at a community safety meeting.

Cllr Kemp said: “We are concerned about the street drinking culture developing in Allerton Road and wherever possible will try to minimise the number of pavement cafes and bars cropping up.

“This request came from the police and, when it goes before a council committee, any decision will be heavily influenced by police opinion, so this seems a futile exercise in between.”

Councillors claim Allerton neighbourhood inspector Andy Wignall is often forced to deploy half his officers on weekend evenings to monitor revellers on the main street.

Noise, violence and anti-social behaviour were cited as headaches for residents in the area, which had no licensed premises just 20 years ago.

A new national law called The Localism Act will come into force on April 1, giving communities a greater say on how their district is mapped out.

A “neighbourhood plan” will become part of a “city plan” and used as a powerful tool to defeat contentious planning applications, such as more bars and restaurants.

A council spokesman said: “We cannot introduce these zones without firstly gathering evidence of disorder caused by drinking in public and advertise the intention of introducing a zone so views can be considered before it is introduced.”