TEENAGERS in Darwen are being warned that under-age drinking will be tackled - despite a petition for an on-street alcohol ban being refused.

A petition organised by resident Roy Davies, of Olive Lane, requesting a total ban of alcohol in the area of Chapels Store, received 337 signatures of support.

It was presented to Blackburn with Darwen Council last month after residents said they were intimidated by youths hanging around drinking.

But after a consultation process with the police and other relevant agencies, the council refused the request.

Sayyed Osman, deputy director for regeneration at the council, said in a letter to Mr Davies: "In order for a street drinking ban to be implemented, evidence must be obtained to prove that alcohol and related incidents are the over-riding cause of anti-social behaviour and public disorder within a given area, and that no other police powers are available to reduce these incidents.

"Upon consultation the police must support the application of a street drinking order as they are the enforcing authority.

"In reaching the decision, all persons present at the consultation meeting had regard to the lack of recorded evidence in alcohol related incidents contained within the police log for a period of 12 months from April 1, 2003, to April 1, 2004, and to the documentary and visual evidence of the community safety partnership and the area beat officers for that area."

But Mr Osman did confirm that a number of additional projects were being considered for the area.

These included joint surveillance work and test purchasing carried out by trading standards officers and the police at off-licences to deter under age sales of alcohol.

There will also be neighbourhood co-ordination between the council, Twin Valley Homes, youth services, environmental town rangers, the police and other agencies to come up with schemes such as facilities for under 18s and other measures to encourage children off the streets.