RESIDENTS have backed plans to control boozing in Hyndburn’s streets.

The overwhelming support follows an extensive consultation by Hyndburn Council over plans to give police more powers to tackle underage drinking and alcohol related anti-social behaviour.

The plans to introduce a Designated Public Place Order would give police the power to confiscate alcohol, whether opened or not, where they think that it could cause a problem across a whole borough or district rather than just an area of a town or village.

The consultation showed 89 per cent of residents thought the ban should be introduced.

The order is not a street drinking ban but will give officers discretionary powers to confiscate alcohol from anyone found misbehaving in a public place.

Anyone stopped who fails to comply faces a penalty notice for disorder of £50, arrest and prosecution with a maximum £500 fine.

The proposals are set to be discussed at Hyndburn Council’s cabinet meeting tomorrow where a decision will be made to introduce the order.

Council leader Coun Peter Britcliffe said: “People have been telling us they want to feel safe and that they think drinking is a problem on the streets, with half saying it’s a major problem.

“We’ve had overwhelming support for this scheme from members of the public and licencees and we are keen to give police more powers to deal this problem on the streets of Hyndburn.”

Geographic Inspector David Mangan said: “The order is not a street drinking ban and is not intended to prevent people enjoying a relaxing drink outside pubs or restaurants or those enjoying a quiet picnic.

"It is simply an additional power to help the police deal with troublemakers more effectively.”