CALLS to impose a ban on street-drinking in two of the borough's hot spots have been quashed by Barnet's Tories.

Liberal Democrat councillor Monroe Palmer tabled a motion in Tuesday's Barnet Council meeting drawing attention to a rise in street drinkers in Golders Green and Cricklewood.

Mr Palmer said that at a public meeting in Cricklewood in June residents expressed a desire to ban street drinking in Barnet, following the lead of neighbouring Brent and Camden.

He formally requested the extension of existing alcohol-free zones to cover Golders Green and Cricklewood town centres and is encouraging the council to consider a borough-wide ban.

However the motion was voted down by Conservative councillors, who are in the majority.

The Conservatives supported an amended motion tabled by councillor Matthew Offord describing a blanket-ban as “an illiberal measure” that would prohibit law-abiding residents from enjoying street parties and picnics.

But the motion made no reference to Mr Palmer's call for measures specific to Cricklewood and Golders Green.

Mr Palmer said: “When residents see drunks, anti social behaviour and littered cans and bottles in our local streets complain loudly to Tory councillors who lead the Tory neglect of residents'

concerns in Cricklewood,  Childs hill and Golders Green.”

Mr Offord said he has offered to meet with Mr Palmer to discuss alcohol-free zones where there are problems.

He said: "I will listen to his views, and to those of residents and the local police service to determine the best way of dealing with these specific problems.

"I’m happy to say that there now appears to be political consensus that a blanket ban would both be ineffective and unfairly punish all residents for the antisocial behaviour by the few.”