PENDLE council has come under fire after introducing an Alcohol Control Zone in Nelson town centre.

Drinkers could be arrested if they are caught drinking in the street but landlords say this is ridiculous, especially when the smoking ban begins.

The initiative, which covers the whole of the town centre, follows consultation with between Lancashire Constabulary, the council and people in the local community. It was brought in by Pendle Council's Nelson Area Committee.

Councillor David Foster, chairman on the Committee, said: "Local residents told us they felt intimidated by revellers drinking in the streets.

"We do not want local people to fear going into Nelson town centre at night time and hope that the introduction of the Alcohol Control Zone will ensure that people stay inside licensed premises if they are drinking."

Signs have been erected in Carr Road, Scotland Road, Manchester Road, Leeds Road and Railway Street to warn people they are entering the Alcohol Control Zone.

They are intended to send out a clear message that drinking alcohol in the street will not be tolerated as anyone found consuming alcohol in the town centre could face arrest.

Local retailers and licensees are in full support of the initiative, which aims to make Nelson a safer place for all to enjoy by reducing town centre disorder.

But Keith Thompson, landlord of the Lord Nelson in Manchester Road for 13 years, said he will feel uncomfortable telling people they are unable to take drinks outside.

The 47-year-old said: "One of my concerns is the no smoking rule. We are going to have to tell people they cannot smoke inside but they cannot drink outside either."

He added: "I don't think the council have thought this through properly."

Sgt Robin Lancaster, of Lancashire Constabulary, said yesterday: "We want to make Nelson town centre a safer place and we strongly believe the introduction of an Alcohol Control Zone will assist us in doing so."