Churchyard drinkers risk losing their booze

East Riding Council is set to ban drinkers from the churchyard of 14th century St Mary the Virgin, on Hallgate, Cottingham.

The move follows complaints about youngsters and older people drinking in the churchyard acting aggressively when challenged and leaving bottles and cans in their wake.

A report to East Riding Council's Cabinet, which is recommending the approval of a "designated public place order", adds: "Drunken behaviour can be alarming to visitors as it is not expected in a churchyard.

"This behaviour has been a persistent problem for visitors and members of the staff at the churchyard.

"When challenged by staff, intoxicated people have behaved in an aggressive behaviour."

The order allows police to stop people drinking and seize their alcohol.

"Those who don't comply could face arrest.

If agreed at a meeting next Tuesday, the order will come into effect on September 1.

Police say they will also be patrolling the area more frequently.

Inspector John Thirkettle, from Humberside Police, said: "The police are keen to remove the problem from the area and this order will provide the powers we need to do so.

"Officers will be making regular checks to ensure that the order is enforced and anyone breaching it will be suitably dealt with."

Parochial church council secretary Iris Pennie said it was an occasional problem: "The police were reviewing the no drinking zone, so it was suggested we would be included in it.

"It's a secluded place, if people want to be somewhere where they are not seen it's an obvious place."