AROUND 3,400 street assault victims were treated at an East Lancashire hospital last year, new figures have revealed.

Of the 68,000 cases Blackburn Royal Infirmary's accident and emergency department, which serves Blackburn, Darwen, Hyndburn and parts of the Ribble Valley, five per cent were victims of assaults in the area's streets.

More than 100 were directly caused by sharp glass injuries. Hospital chiefs say most of those were caused in the town centres.

Details of the problem were revealed by Tom George, clinical director of accident and emergency at BRI, who has worked there as a consultant for more than a decade.

He spoke at the launch of Crystal Clear, the new drinking exclusion zone in Blackburn town centre.

It is now illegal to drink on streets within Blackburn's orbital route, with a similar ban expected to be introduced in Darwen. Police officers can confiscate any booze and arrest people who refuse to toe the line.

Bosses at the accident and emergency department are throwing their weight behind a drinking ban in a bid to reduce the ever-rising injury figures.

Mr George said: "The problem is getting much worse every year.

"We see them as needless injuries which can do a lot of damage. In the case of glass, it can be very expensive.

"What appears to be a little cut to the wrist can sometimes damage nerves and tendons to the hand. We have to X-ray, carry out checks, sometimes make people go back to their GPs, it all costs money.

"And then there are other costs, such as people being off work.

"It is hard to put a total cost on the problem because each case is different, but it is a lot and it is costing more each year.

"That is why we are supporting this drinking ban."

The new drinking ban is being publicised in various ways. As well as media advertising, jingles will be played at pubs and clubs urging people to leave their bottles at the bar.

Staff also wear tee-shirts using slogans from the campaign.

Special bottle banks have been places around the town centre for the safe disposal of bottles.

Coun Maureen Bateson, executive member for welfare rights and consumer affairs, said: "Everyone has a part to play to make the town centre safer.

"We won't just move the problem on, we will tackle the causes as well."

Chief Superintendent John Thompson of Blackburn police said: "We have worked together with the council to get this ban in place."

"The night time economy does bring with it problems of violence.

"By launching this campaign, we aim to have a safe town centre and people can enjoy their evenings out without fear"

A similar ban will take effect in Accrington later in the year.

Ribble Valley Council is working on bans for Whalley, Clitheroe and Longridge, while plans are afoot for a ban in Darwen town centre.