AN MP has slammed Lancashire County Council passing a new by-law banning youngsters from doorstep pinta deliveries.

Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans has accused the county council of "outright complacency and a misguided attitude."

He is demanding a rethink after claiming the Government revealed that it was at the council's discretion how the by-law was implemented.

The council has adopted a European directive banning the employment of youngsters in a range of jobs.

These include working in nightclubs, commercial kitchens, fairgrounds and slaughterhouses, as well as delivering milk.

But East Lancashire milk deliverers, with the backing of the parents of their young employees, have vowed to fight the new ruling.

They argue that delivering milk gives youngsters experience of controlling their finances, time-keeping, discipline, reliability, honesty and team-work. Now the Ribble Valley MP is demanding a re-think after receiving clarification on the matter from Health Minister Paul Boateng.

"The ban is not only wrong, but it highlights Lancashire County Council's insensitive attitude to the needs of our area," said Mr Evans.

"I have it from the Government that there is no law of the land which says that young people cannot be employed to deliver milk.

"If the council does not reverse its decision then young people will not be able to earn extra pocket money and milkmen will lose their extra help.

"It will confirm that the council is insensitive to the needs of the Ribble Valley and prepared to stifle the employment opportunities available to young people in Lancashire."

Nobody was available for comment at Lancashire County Council.

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