BOOZING in public in a Pendle town could be barred under plans announced by councillors.

Liberal Democrat members in Barnoldswick want to outlaw drinking in public places in the town to curb youths hanging around the town drinking alcohol and causing anti-social behaviour.

Today, Coun David Whipp said members did not just want to move the youths on to another part of the town or borough.

He said: "I am anxious that any ban covers a wide enough area to prevent problems being displaced from one area to another.

"The ban will only be a success if it is widely accepted by people in the town and police officers have said they will only use the power in appropriate circumstances, so it won't prevent people having a picnic."

The scheme, backed by the police will be discussed by councillors at June's meeting of the West Craven Committee.

If approved, areas where drinking is banned will be set up.

Coun Whipp said he was pleased police had agreed to the scheme after twice rejecting similar proposals.

Residents were asked for their views by members who were in the town square on Saturday morning and Coun Whipp said people could still have their say because booze bans would not be introduced until the end of June at the earliest.

He added: "We don't have an enormous problem with outside drinking in Barnoldswick, but there are persistent problems with some young adults who cause nuisance to others and set a bad example to teenagers.

"Hopefully, this action will address this and nip the problem in the bud."

A police spokesman said: "We support the proposed scheme which will hopefully help us tackle any anti-social behaviour caused by drinking alcohol."