COUNCILLORS and police want a drinking ban introduced on the streets of a vandalism-hit Gwent town by the new year.

Troubled Blaenavon is suffering from a wave of vandalism and anti-social behaviour, and today Torfaen council's community safety manager, Dave Jeremiah, told the Argus that young drinkers hanging around its streets were the primary cause of the problem.

We reported how businesses in the town, which is trying to establish itself as a tourist attraction thanks to its book shops and Big Pit, are regularly attacked by vandals.

Some owners say they are on the verge of pulling out. Mr Jeremiah said children as young as 11 were drinking on the streets of the town, but added that young adults aged 18-19 were causing the most concern.

"These are the group we believe are causing most of the criminal damage," he said. "We have learnt a lot of lessons from applying the ban to Cwmbran, where it has been very successful.

"Torfaen community safety partnership will be consulting with all those involved, including businesses, residents and community leaders." The partnership is made up of police and local authority representatives.

If consultations are successful, the ban could be put into force by January. The powers come under the Criminal Justice and Police Act 2001, and mean a person found drinking in the town centre could have their alcohol confiscated. If they refuse they can be arrested and face a £500 fine.

The ban would cover Broad Street, High Street, Market Street, Park Street and a section of King Street at the top of the town.

Megan Murphy, who owns Serendipity Books, in Broad Street, welcomed the move.

Two weeks ago her business was targeted by vandals, who smashed her front window.

She said: "It can only be a good thing. There's nothing worse than seeing kids hanging around on street corners, drinking."

Councillor Neil Lewis, Torfaen council's member for Blaenavon, said: "I think it's a positive step."

A police spokeswoman said Inspector Jo Bull, based in Pontypool, would be discussing the matter at the next team meeting for north Torfaen.