DRINKERS in Colne could be hit with a £500 fine under new proposals to combat drunken behaviour in the town.

Councillors are to consider whether an alcohol exclusion zone should be set up in the town when the Colne and District Committee sit on May 16.

If approved it is suggested the booze ban would cover an area from Linden Road to Carry Lane, for 50 metres either side of Albert Road/Keighley Road, effectively covering the whole town centre.

Under the Criminal Justice and Police Act 2001, it will be a criminal offence to drink in the streets, and police would have the power to arrest anyone who continues to drink or fails to surrender any alcohol when told to.

Anyone failing to comply could be arrested and face a fine of up to £500.

Council leader Alan Davies said the idea of the scheme came from regular discussions with the police to follow the examples of other towns. Similar schemes already operate in Burnley, Padiham, Rossendale and Clitheroe.

He said: "I am in favour of the scheme and I think it will help tackle the problems of drunken behaviour.

"Like most towns there are clearly concerns about young people who are not allowed in pubs drinking in public and this should help tackle this.

"Publicans have nothing to worry about as this scheme will not affect them."

Before an scheme came into operation the council would have to consult with police, licensees and any landowners within the zone.

Advertisements would have to be placed at least 28 days before it came into effect and signs would be erected.