WORK is in hand to extend a ban on playing golf in public places in Hartlepool.

A bylaw is already in force banning the playing of golf with solid golf balls in various parks and open spaces around the town.

But following complaints about golf in the Clavering play area, a draft bylaw is being prepared to extend the ban to other areas.

There have also been complaints about drinking in the playground, and consideration was given by the council to ban this activity, which is prohibited in some areas already. But because of the difficulty in creating a new bylaw that will now not go ahead.

A council spokesman said: "There is a heavy consultation requirement involved in any proposal for extension, as it is necessary, for example, to consult with each of the owners of properties fronting on to streets where the prohibition is to apply.

"No authority has, therefore, been given to pursue the issue further.