An Alcohol Designation Order was introduced in the town centre in November 2008 to clamp down on drinking in public places.

The measures were hailed as a big success and a full meeting of Wakefield Council next week will now decide if the order will be extended to include other parts of the town.

Coun Olivia Rowley, cabinet member with responsibility for communities, said: "People who were drinking in public places were causing a real nuisance in Pontefract town centre. The original order has proved a success with a 22 per cent reduction in alcohol related anti-social behaviour, helping to improve the lives of local residents and businesses.

"Following feedback and further consultation we are now looking at extending the exclusion zone to cover Valley Gardens Park and the hospital grounds."

The new zone would join onto the Southgate boundary of the existing zone to the south of the town centre and will give the police extra powers to deal with the problem.

It is recommended that the new zone will cover three areas- within Southgate, Mill Hill Road, Dark Lane, Mayor's Walk, Friarwood Lane and Slutwell Lane then within Mayor's Walk, Carleton Glen and Mayor's Walk Avenue and finally the hospital area within Friarwood Lane, Friarwood Terrace and Grove Road.

Residents asked that the road at the back of Spring Bank was not included so they were able to continue with occasional street parties.

The current alcohol exclusion zone covers the area within Southgate, Jubilee Way, Front Street, Stuart Road, Trinity Street and Horsefair.

West Yorkshire Police, Mid Yorkshire NHS Trust, groups including all licensees, businesses in the town centre and the Town Centre Partnership were all consulted and there was no opposition to an order being made.

Anyone witnessing antisocial behaviour can call the Council on 0845 8 506 506, report it online at www.wakefield.gov.uk or call the police in a non-emergency on 0845 6060606.