A COUNCIL is to carry out a study into the possibility of introducing controversial by-laws aimed at ridding a town centre of nuisance drinkers and other parts of the borough.

Hyndburn Council along with the police are due to consider problems caused by drinkers and whether they can be remedied by introducing the by-laws.

The Home Office has issued model by-laws that could be adopted by the council. If they are introduced it will be an offence for any person to drink alcohol in designated areas after being warned not to do so by a police officer. Maximum fine for contravention would be £500.

Council chiefs have already met their counterparts in Tameside -- where by-laws are already in operation -- to assess their impact and effectiveness.

Town centre manager Bill Huntley told a cabinet meeting that it had taken Tameside four years to introduce the by-laws and said a consultation period in Hyndburn, which would include seeking the views of the police, local businesses and borough residents, would last between three to six months.

He said: "In Tameside the by-laws have not resulted in a single conviction but they have acted as a deterrent."

Council leader Peter Britcliffe said: "They are not draconian measures which would stop people from drinking but they would stop people making a nuisance of themselves when they are drinking.

"We don't mind anyone having a drink but if this acts as a deterrent to nuisance drinkers it is to be commended.

"My view is that people want to see an end to what they see as intimidating behaviour."

Chief executive Mike Chambers said a meeting had been held with four people who spent a lot of time in Accrington town centre and could be affected if the by-laws were introduced. They were given an assurance that they would be consulted on the issues.

Chairman of the markets board Coun Sandra Hayes said that traders would welcome the by-laws because they felt town centre drinkers were affecting their business.-