A ban on boozing on the streets of Leigh could be launched to combat vandalism and anti-social behaviour.

Southend Council is looking to introduce the ban on drinking in public in Leigh Broadway following successful schemes in Hamlet Court Road, Westcliff and the town centre.

It follows calls from Lib Dem Leigh councillor Peter Wexham following reports of youngsters drinking in the Old Town and Leigh Broadway.

A spokeswoman for Leigh police said: "We are aiming to target anti-social behaviour in the area.

"There is a problem with underage drinking in the Broadway as well as Leigh Hill and Old Leigh, particularly at the weekend.

"The ban is already in place in Southend High Street and Hamlet Court Road and it does make it more difficult for people who are under age to drink in the street."

Council leader Howard Briggs told the full council discussions were going on with the police on the issue and the report would be presented to councillors when these had been completed.

He added: "There is a concern in part of the old town that a ban could mean people leaving one of the pubs with a drink and going to the sitting out area on the other side of the road would be unintentionally breaking the law."