A CONCERNED councillor has called for Burnley parks to be made alcohol-free zones to get tough on teen yobs.

Coun Gordon Birtwistle, leader of the Liberal Democrats, said a booze ban similar to the one operating in the town centre should be introduced to address problems of anti-social behaviour.

He will call on councillors at tomorrow's council meeting to support a motion calling for a ban in parks, recreation areas and playgrounds controlled by the authority.

Coun Birtwistle said particular hotspots were Padiham and Ightenhill, though recent problems in Scott Park in Burnley had improved after a series of police patrols and arrests of youths.

He said: "I have had loads of complaints about anti-social behaviour of youths from all over the town. There were problems in Scott Park but we have managed to sort that out and people are asking if we can do something for the other problem areas.

"We want to stop the drinking in parks and playgrounds which is ruining these areas for law-abiding people and we want to give police the powers to do something about it by making them alcohol-free zones."

Coun Birtwistle said he had received the backing of the police and the park wardens service. Organisers of events in the parks requiring a bar facility would have to apply for a licence from the council.