Plans to extend police powers to take alcohol from people behaving badly in Oxford streets are designed to stop drink-related problems spiralling out of control.

Inspector Andy Talbot, of Oxford police, said proposals to allow officers to take drink from anyone causing "alarm, distress or harassment" would help cut antisocial behaviour.

He told the city council's central, south and west committee meeting on Tuesday: "This is all about early intervention. It is about stopping antisocial behaviour at the earliest opportunity.

"In Bonn Square in the eighties, we had to wait until people drinking were disorderly or flat on the ground before we could do anything."

Oxford already has 11 alcohol-free zones, but Thames Valley Police and some residents have complained that drinkers sometimes cross zone boundaries to avoid being confronted by officers.

Anyone who refuses to hand over alcohol could be arrested and fined up to £500 if prosecuted and officers will also be able to dish out £50 fixed penalty fines.

If plans go ahead, it would make Oxford the third district in England to introduce powers allowing police to confiscate drink from troublemakers.

But Matt Sellwood, Green city councillor for Holywell, said he was worried about how officers would interpret the proposed new bylaw.

He said: "Extending the alcohol-free zones will be extremely problematic as there will be nowhere else to displace people. It is not solving the problem and I don't think the solution is chucking people in jail."

Insp Talbot said officers needed to apply common sense to every situation before deciding what action to take.

The plans are under consultation until March 31 and they go before the city's full council on April 24. If approved, the new powers could come into force immediately.

Oxford was one of the first places to introduce alcohol-free zones in 2002, and the city council extended the ban to a further five areas the following year.

Under the new scheme, the existing zones will remain in place, meaning that no-one -- regardless of behaviour -- can drink within the specified area.

Only Brighton and Sandwell, in the West Midlands, have introduced alcohol-free bans across their districts, but councils there have praised the results and received Home Office support.

To have a say on the plans, write to the community safety officer, Oxford City Council, Strategy and Review, Town Hall, St Aldate's, Oxford, OX1 1BX.