DRUNKS who cause criminal damage on the way home from a night out are to be barred from Colne pubs.

Police have extended their Pubwatch scheme in the town to call time on yobs who carry out anti-social behaviour outside licensed premises. The move is the first of its kind in the area.

And those who now break their ban could also be hit with an anti-social behaviour order (ASBO).

PC Mark Walker said investment in the Union Exchange, Market Street, and the opening of the Corner House, formerly the Tower Bar, Skipton Road, highlighted the scheme's tough stance had led to renewed confidence Colne was a safe place.

He said "This is something breweries must feel is working because they are spending money modernising pubs.

"We are effectively closing all the licensed premises where these people can visit."

The scheme was recently expanded from the town centre and pubs in outlying areas such as Foulridge have now signed up. Twenty-one people are banned from premises. Bans range from six months to life.

Police said booze-fuelled crimes had fallen from 46 to 14 between April and July compared to the same period last year.

PC Walker said a committee, made up of landlords, would decide whether to hand out another 11 bans at its next meeting including nine to people for incidents during the World Cup.

He said anyone caught trying to enter a bar while banned will now have to sign an acceptable behaviour contract pledging to stay clear of pubs. If they break this police will then seek an ASBO against them barring them from the area altogether.

PC Walker said: "We have extended the scheme to alcohol-related offences outside licensed premises.

"Something that we are doing which is different from everywhere else is offenders who are found entering or trying to enter licensed premises will be subject to an acceptable behaviour contract."