FESTIVE revellers in Bacup are set to be hit in the pocket if they are caught boozing on the town's streets over the festive period.

Rossendale Council has said an alcohol ban should be implemented in the town centre before the New Year, meaning anyone caught drinking could be hit with an £80 on-the-spot fine.

The council and police decided to introduce the ban following a number of incidents of booze-fuelled anti-social behaviour in previous months.

These incidents led to police introducing a disposal zone in the town centre, giving them the powers to move groups on and banning them from returning to the area within 24 hours.

The temporary order runs out this month and police and council bosses want to maintain the crackdown by imposing the booze ban.

Sergeant Gordon McGeechan said: "The disposal zone was introduced due to the fact there was a hard core who went to St James' Square to drink alcohol and cause harassment and distress to traders and shoppers.

"It has been successful so we want to introduce an alcohol ban.

"When I arrived in March it was apparent there was a problem and I think the people of Bacup want this."

Coun Judith Driver, cabinet member for streets, said a minority of louts had forced the council to consider the ban.

She said: "We have listened to local residents and traders and feel that the time is now right to consider introducing an outdoor drinking ban in Bacup."

l Once introduced the ban would cover Manor Street, Market Street, Bank Street, Dale Street, Ash Street, Alder Street, Albert Terrace, Burnley Road, Gordon Street, Blackthorn Lane, Lane Head Lane, Earnshaw Road, Todmorden Road, Tong Lane, South Street, Gladstone Street, Alma Street, Rochdale Road, Allen Street, Rockcliffe Road, and Market Street, as well as the area around Bacup Leisure Hall.