THE first ban on street drinking in the Durham City district is is expected to win final approval from councillors tomorrow.

Durham City Council will be recommended to introduce regulations making it illegal to drink alcohol in public places in Sherburn Village and Ludworth.

The ban would apply to 42 streets in Sherburn and a further eight at Ludworth. It would give police the power to confiscate and dispose of any alcohol being consumed.

If anyone refuses to hand over alcohol, or carries on drinking in the streets where it is banned, they can be prosecuted and face a fine of up to £500.

The ban, which has already been approved by the council's cabinet, is being introduced to curb rowdy youngsters who gather to drink in the street and then behave anti-socially.

There have been no objections to the move, which has been welcomed by councillor for Sherburn and cabinet member Carol Woods, and the police's substance misuse officer for North Durham, Sergeant Tim Robson.

The ban would come into effect once signs have been put up, warning people that they will be breaking the law by drinking in the street.