A MAJOR crackdown on alcohol-fuelled crime and anti-social behaviour could lead to police being given the powers to ban drinkers from a total of eight areas in Minehead and Williton. The rise in incidents in Blenheim Gardens in Minehead and Williton's Memorial Ground had already led West Somerset Council to start the process which would lead to both areas becoming alcohol designation zones. But police fears that the move - which they support - could lead to the problems being displaced has resulted in a further six areas being earmarked for the new designation. These include in Minehead: l The seafront from Warren Road to Quay Street, including the entire stretch of highway and footpaths. l Rose Garden adjacent to Seaward Way. l King George recreation ground. l Recreation area adjacent to Irnham Road excluding the football club. l Land adjacent to Seaward Way and Bircham Road to the north-west of the Ellicombe roundabout. And in Williton: l Bellamy's Corner. If approved, anyone refusing to surrender alcohol or to stop drinking in the designated zones if asked by the police could face arrest and possible prosecution. But the designation would not lead to a blanket ban on alcohol being consumed. Blenheim Gardens, for instance, is licensed for public entertainment, and a temporary licence to sell alcohol for an event there or for any of the areas proposed for designation, could still be granted. West Somerset community safety officer Pete Hughes said the decision to consider designating the areas resulted from the continuing issues of alcohol-fuelled crime and anti-social behaviour. "The orders would provide police with enhanced powers to address those issues of anti-social behaviour fuelled by alcohol which has detracted, for a number of years, from the enjoyment of the areas proposed. "It will also provide police with powers to address similar issues in areas which may be subject to displacement." West Somerset Council's cabinet will be asked to approve the proposed designations on Monday. Williton Parish Council chairman Cllr Bill Gulliford told the Free Press that his authority supported the move in relation to the areas in the village. He said a recent clampdown by police had led to an improvement in alcohol-related problems in the Memorial Ground. But he said the problems could have shifted to elsewhere in the village. "I have certainly noticed a considerable number of empty bottles and cans near Bellamy's Corner and I do think that making these designations will give the police the powers they need. "As for the Memorial Ground, it was the parish council that actually put the idea forward, so it is certainly has our support." Minehead town Cllr Simon Stokes, who also represents Alcombe West on the district authority, said his only concern was whether the police would have the resources to enforce the new legislation. "You can pass as many laws as you like but if you haven't got anyone to enforce them then what is the point?" he said. "Many of the problems in Blenheim Gardens and the other areas proposed for designation could probably be resolved simply by the presence of a uniformed police officer. "If we had a police officer wandering through these areas we probably would not need the laws." Cllr Stokes said he hoped that the designation zone for the King George recreation ground included the adjacent Alcombe Children's Centre, which had been the focus of a number alcohol-related problems in recent months. "There have been reports of people drinking on the balcony of the centre and even having barbecues until 4am," he said. "This is unacceptable when this building backs onto a residential area."