LANCASHIRE Constabulary have appointed a licensing officer to Pendle division in an effort to crack down on underage drinking and alcohol related disorders.

PC Gill Sherratt, based at Burnley police station will be responsible for dealing with all licensing enquiries across Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale.

Working with the local authorities and magistrates, she will review applications, vet potential licensees and monitor premises. She will also have the power to object to applications and help to get licences revoked.

PC Sherratt said: "With around 900 licensed premises in Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale, and a significant proportion of crime committed as a result of alcohol, Pennine Division decided that a dedicated officer was needed to deal with licensing."

"My role will be to lease with local licensees, local authorities and magistrates to ensure that licensing issues across the division are dealt with with fairly and consistently and that once granted, the licensee abides by the law.

"It is a huge task, but it is a vital one given the number of alcohol-fuelled incidents of anti-social behaviour and juvenile nuisance we are called to.

"My main objective is to ensure that licensing is fair and that licensees act responsibly."