POLICE are rolling out a ban on people drinking in public places to more corners of the district.

A new law has replaced a by-law banning the consumption of alcohol in public areas - giving bobbies more powers to deal with the problem.

Lancaster's present city centre zone is still in operation but the ban now takes in the footpath along Lune Bank and the Millennium Bridge.

Also affected is the tourist and cultural zone of the Priory and Castle Hill, and the Skerton area from Halton Road to Skerton Bridge.

Sgt Andy Williams, of Lancaster police's licensing unit, says the areas affected by the ban have been chosen because of incidences of alcohol-related crime, disorder and nuisance.

"It is hoped that these additional powers will help tackle these problems more effectively,'' he says.

Anyone who ignores a police officer's request to stop drinking is committing an offence and may be arrested and/or receive a penalty notice for disorder which carries a £40 fine.

The fenced recreational area bounded by Durham Avenue, Palatine Avenue, Rutland Avenue and Chester Place is also included.

Drinking is also banned in the open area around Douglas Park, Heysham, along with the area around Heysham Youth and Community Centre.

Other areas include Morecambe town centre, the West End, Heysham Barrows, the grassed area and car park next to Heysham Cricket Club and the promenade.