NEW powers for police in Burnley to tackle drink-fuelled anti-social behaviour come into force next week.

Burnley is only one of four boroughs in England where police have been given the power to confiscate alcohol from people drinking outside and causing trouble.

The borough-wide designated public place order comes into effect on Wednesday and means that people who do not obey the order could be fined upto £500.

Police said they were keen to make use of the powers as soon as possible.

Currently there are only three zones subject to the order – in Burnley and Padiham town centres, along with Trinity. But police want to stress that it is not a complete ban on drinking outside in public areas.

Sgt Phil Hutchinson, of Burnley police, said: “Only people who are drinking irresponsibly on the street and are causing anti-social behaviour will be affected by the order.

“It gives us the power to confiscate alcohol off those who are acting irresponsibly over the age of 18. For those under 18 we can already take alcohol away from them.

“If people refuse to give us their alcohol we can then give them an on-the-spot fine.

“We are not trying to stop people from having fun and people are still able to enjoy a drink on the street.”

Coun Charlie Briggs, who deals with community safety and spearheaded the order, said: “I have talked with residents throughout the borough and the main thing people wanted changing was trying to tackle drunken behaviour on the streets that causes a nuisance.

“The order gives police an extra tool to help tackle anti-social behaviour and acts as a warning to people to think about their behaviour.

“Pubs and off-licences have been consulted about the order and there have been no complaints about it.

“The general feeling is that it will be good for the borough.”