A BAN on drinking alcohol in the streets of Kirkbymoorside has been labelled as "disproportionate".

A local councillor has warned the ban, approved by Ryedale District Council, will drive tourists from the town. Coun Andy Suter told the town council: "Kirkbymoorside doesn't have a Micklegate run such as York, nor like the town centre of Scarborough."

There were sufficient laws to stop under-18s drinking in public said Coun Suter, who questioned what would happen at the traditional Boxing Day hunt meet when the Stirrup Cup was handed round. The drinking ban was "excessive", he said.

"It will be an anti-business slur on Kirkbymoorside," he said, adding that people would not visit the town, especially families, if it was perceived to have a drinking problem which needed action.

He received support from Coun Gaynor de Barr, who questioned why Helmsley had not been included in such a ban. Coun Anthony Riby believed the moves had been made by the police, and passed on to Ryedale District Council for action, following complaints.

He said that families were more likely to visit Kirkbymoorside if it did have a street drinking ban.

The Millennium Clock, put on the Memorial Hall three years ago, has run into operational problems. The manufacturers are to be asked if it is still covered by warranty, and if not the council has agreed to spend up to £250 on having it repaired.

Kirkbymoorside needs bus shelters, councillors claimed. Coun Suter suggested that a rotunda-style shelter for buses travelling in both directions be erected in Church Street, but councillors said they would prefer to see individual shelters in other areas.

The council is to investigate reports that a councillor who is co-opted on to a parish or town council, rather than elected, does not qualify for an allowance.

Updated: 12:01 Wednesday, December 17, 2003