A SCHEME aimed at giving people the chance to have their bans from Colne’s pubs and clubs lifted has been hailed a success.

Since the start of August anybody banned under CAND (Communities Against Night-time Disorder), the town’s pubwatch scheme, has been given the option of attending specialist help sessions.

Revellers who attend five sessions at Inspire, East Lancashire’s Integrated Substance Misuse Service, for help with any alcohol or drugs related problems, will be allowed back in the bars of Colne. Coun David Whipp, who oversees community safety in Pendle, said: “The introduction of this partnership approach is win win.

“Inspire is a friendly, welcoming service that provides recovery opportunities for people worried about their drug or alcohol use. It’s helping to promote a safer environment for residents and visitors to the town and improve the health and wellbeing of those who attend the sessions.”

Since the programme was launched six people have successfully completed the sessions and had their bans lifted.

One of those was a 48-year-old woman from Colne who wanted help to tackle her alcohol problem.

She said: “When I first received the letter to say I’d been banned I was really angry but then I decided to attend the sessions and see what they were all about. Inspire made something click. I realised that I couldn’t carry on in the same way.

“The sessions were really friendly and informal and not only highlighted what I was doing to my body and my family, it gave me the push to get on and do things with my life again.

“Friends and family have seen a massive change in me and I’m much healthier.

“It was a lifeline to me. I’ve been given a new life, a new start.”