New powers to crack down on boozy troublemakers in Lampton Park moved a step closer this week after getting the thumbs up from neighbouring residents.

Police have applied to turn the Hounslow park and surrounding streets into a Controlled Drinking Zone (CDZ).

There is already a CDZ covering Hounslow High Street and nearby roads but Sgt Dean Purvis, of Heston East Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT), said that had pushed drinkers into the park.

"I've seen people drinking on one side of Bulstrode Road (where the CDZ currently ends) who've spotted us and crossed the road because they know we can't stop them there," he told residents at a public meeting in Hounslow's Civic Centre on Thursday.

Householders, who have long been plagued by people taking drugs and drinking in the park, welcomed the plans but not all were convinced they would solve the problems.

One person called for the gates to be locked at night, although Sgt Purvis said this would be very costly and would not prevent criminals getting in and out.

The proposals are still in the early stages and the new zone is unlikely to be in place until early next year. Police are also seeking to make Heston Park a CDZ.

Should the plans get the green light, police will be able to confiscate alcohol from anyone they suspect might go on to cause trouble, rather than waiting for them to commit an offence.

People would still be allowed to drink in the park, provided they do so responsibly.