A street drinking ban could be imposed to combat antisocial behaviour in Haywards Heath.

The Designated Public Places Order would give police greater powers to tackle alcohol-related problems in parts of the town.

It would mean officers could confiscate alcohol on the spot if they feared trouble.

Town clerk Carole Preston said problems in the Victoria Park area of the town had prompted many to support the proposal.

She said: "The park is a problem and many people have complained about it.

"But it came to a head when I visited the park one day and there were glass bottles everywhere - even in the children's playground.

"It is dangerous. I understand the police have powers to take away alcohol, so that is what we are pushing for.

"There is a general problem of bad behaviour in the park and it can be an intimidating place."

The order would mirror one introduced in Brighton and Hove in August.

Police would carry out daily patrols in public areas which attracted drinkers.

Town and district councillor Terry Gillard said a similar ban would help Haywards Heath.

He said: "I would support an alcohol ban.

"We get a lot of problems with broken glass in Victoria Park, including in the children's area and on the footpaths.

"It is very dangerous and there are similar problems in other areas.

"But there are also other problems caused by drinking.

"Lots of people gather and there can be fighting and vandalism when they leave the park."

District council chief executive Bill Hatton will now meet police chiefs in two weeks to discuss whether the ban could be put into effect.

He said: "It's a problem I have put to the top of the list.

"The difficulty would be in enforcing such a ban so that is why I am going to be consulting police representatives.

"But it's an item on the agenda following an approach made to us by the town council."

Chief Inspector Sam Coates, of Mid Sussex police, said: "We don't wish to discriminate against law-abiding citizens having a drink outside the pub but a bylaw would be a useful tool to deal with a particular problem like that in Victoria Park."

The proposals follow news of plans to install youth shelters around the town to combat antisocial behaviour.