REVELLERS barred from pubs and clubs will be given the chance to have their bans lifted.

A list of people, banned from Colne’s pubs for drink or drug-related offences, will be offered the chance to attend five sessions at Inspire, a substance misuse service.

Once they have completed the course, their bans will be lifted.

The scheme, called Chance to Change, is being run in partnership by Colne pubwatch licensees CAND (Communities against Night-time Disorder) and Inspire.

Lisa Cochrane, project manager at Inspire in Rigby Street, Nelson said: “We’re really excited about the positive impact it could have on people’s lives.

“Some of those who are on Colne’s banned list really do need help to overcome their problems and lifestyle issues.

“We want to highlight the harm that their current behaviour could cause to themselves and their families, as well as the wider community.”

Noel Buckley, co-chairman of CAND and landlord at the Crown Hotel said: “This will point people in the direction of an organisation that can offer help and advice instead of being barred from all the pubs in Colne.

”Those who fail to attend the mandatory sessions will remain barred and they will only be able to complete the course once.”

The scheme, a 12-month pilot starting today has also got the backing of the police and the council.

PC Mark Walker, who is responsible for policing Colne town centre, said: “Lancashire Constabulary is really pleased to support CAND with its exciting new partnership initiative with Inspire.”