BOOZING youths face fines if they are caught drinking in the streets.

Bolton Council bosses are ready to introduce an on-street drink ban in Little Lever.

The law will give police officers new powers to confiscate an open bottle, can or glass from a person found breaking the guidelines.

Offenders could be hit by a £40 fine if they ignore the law and continue to drink in public. The ruling is aimed at reducing large gangs of troublemakers who congregate on street corners in Little Lever.

Vandalism and anti-social behaviour have been longstanding problems around the central shopping precinct, and parkland near Dove Bank and Kershaw Avenue. Sgt Shane O'Neill said: "The problems with kids drinking started last year with youths hanging around the precinct.

"It is a regular problem at weekends but it has been dispersed a lot due to the success of an operation during the school holidays."

Edward Steele Wilson, chairman of Little Lever West Residents Association, said: "This will be beneficial for the whole village.

"Any ruling that police can get to stop this problem is good news for Little Lever. The youths just walk up and down the street with beer bottles, wine and spirits."

The drinking ban introduced in The Haulgh, Bolton, last year was hailed a success, with an almost 20 per cent drop in crime.