DRINKING alcohol outdoors in the centre of Blackburn could be an arrestable offence within six weeks, council bosses revealed today.

Some 80 organisations are being asked for their opinions about the new measures, which, it is hoped, will lead to a reduction in crime and make the town centre a safer place to be.

Blackburn with Darwen Council has sent letters to organisations including the police, shopping bosses, hospital chiefs and licensees across Blackburn asking for their opinions on the new scheme.

Under the Criminal Justice and Police Act 2001, councils have the power to impose 'no drinking' zones in areas where it is expected to lead to a reduction in crime.

Police would then be able to demand people stop drinking, and if they refuse, they face being arrested using existing powers.

It is hoped the scheme will lead to a reduction in the number of assaults involving bottles as glasses used as weapons.

It will also give the police the power to stop people drinking on benches in the town centre -- a particular problem on Blackburn Boulevard.

Hyndburn Council is also drawing up similar plans.

The law only took effect in September, and Blackburn is expected to become one of the first authorities to ban drinking on the street using the new powers, although other town centres in Lancashire are updating bylaws which prohibit drinking.

Under Blackburn's plan, all streets within the newly-formed Orbital route -- Barbara Castle Way, Higher Audley Street, Lower Audley Street, Russell Street, Freckleton Street and Montague Street -- will be included in the project.

Jeanette Hicks, the principal environmental health officer at Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: "We have advertised the proposals and have written to between 70 and 80 organisations, including the police, health authorities, shops, market traders association and the pubs in the town.

"We now have to wait 28 days to see what response we get. If it is favourable, it is just a case of getting the order into place.

"We will probably miss Christmas now but it should be in place for the New Year."

The police have already given the scheme their backing.

Coun Maureen Bateson, executive member for citizen rights and consumer affairs, added: "Certain areas outside pubs can be designated drinking zones if it is appropriate.

"We would do this on Church Street so that people can drink outside the cafes we want to go along there."