Drunken behaviour in Walthamstow town centre could be stamped out with the introduction of a alcohol restriction zone.

Shoppers and traders intimidated by drinkers behaving anti-socially in the street and other public places are hoping that Walthamstow police officers will be given new powers to confiscate alcohol.

It would not be an offence to drink in public, but if drinkers refuse to hand over the can or bottle to the officer, or to bin it, they could be fined £50 or face arrest and prosecution with a maximum £500 fine.

Yuko Rainey, 40, a librarian from Coolgardie Avenue, Highams Park, agreed that the alcohol restricted zone was "a good thing".

She said: "People can drink in a pub or in their house but they shouldn't in a public place. It makes me feel nervous.

"Last week I saw a drunk woman near Walthamstow station shouting at people in the street.

"Sometimes it is scary to see those people."

Mother-of-two Katrine Tutt, 38, of Winchester Road, Highams Park, said: "I'm very much in favour of it because of the playground there.

"It is not personally inti-midating, but it is not right for a playground environment, with swearing and that sort of thing. But it will probably just make people move elsewhere."

The zone will cover the High Street, part of Hoe Street, and Selborne Road, together with the town square, Selborne Walk, the bus station, Walthamstow Central Underground and overground stations.

It was recommended by a crime prevention officer last year as a measure to help curb anti-social behaviour, and was recommended to be in place once the giant LCD screen is put up in the town square next month.

The department for environment and regeneration at the council has made the proposed order for the zone under the Local Authorities (Alcohol Consumption in Public Places) Regulations 2007.

Cabinet member for community safety, enforcement and protection, Afzal Akram said: "We have listened to the concerns of residents and shopkeepers and feel that a Designated Public Place Order will be an effective tool to combatdisorder and anti-social behaviour.

"I would like to emphasise that, if implemented, the area will not become an alcohol-free zone. Drinking in itself will not be an offence, only failure to comply with authorised officers' instructions."

Anyone wishing to make representations about the proposed order should send them in writing by 5pm on Monday to Mario Demetriou, anti-social behaviour team manager and CCTV contract manager, Sycamore House, Forest Road, Walthamstow E17 4JF or email communitysafety@walthamforest.gov.uk