An increase in anti-social drinking in a Leatherhead recreation ground has prompted the council to launch a consultation on how to tackle the issue.

Mole Valley District Council wants to hear from local residents, businesses and users of Kingston Road Recreation Ground in Leatherhead about whether the council and police should be given extra powers to curb anti-social behaviour.

A Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) can be introduced to regulate activities in local public places which are having a detrimental effect on the local community.

The introduction of a PSPO at Kingston Road Recreation Ground would provide the council and Surrey Police with additional powers to restrict the consumption of alcohol within the recreation ground.

A council spokesperson said that this would help to ensure that other users of the site could enjoy the facilities, free from this type of anti-social behaviour.

Councillor Lucy Botting, Executive Member for Wellbeing, added: “We have listened to the users, residents and businesses surrounding the recreation ground and we think introducing a PSPO could really help reduce anti-social drinking and behaviour at the site.

"It is really important that we hear from you, especially if you have experienced or been affected by anti-social behaviour at the recreation ground.”

A short survey asking for views from local residents, businesses and users of the site is open until midday on January 13, 2017.

The survey is available online, by visiting www.molevalley.gov.uk/pspo