DRINKING in public could soon be banned in Hyndburn under plans being drawn up by the council.

The local authority plans to make use of new Government legislation which allows them to ban drinking in public by issuing a new by-law.

It would be similar to the existing ones imposed for dog fouling, litter-dropping or illegal parking, with people caught initially being fined and later sent to court if they don't pay up.

Consultations have begun with interested parties -- including the drinkers themselves -- and council bosses predict the new measures could come into effect within a year. A spokesman for Hyndburn Council said: "This would be the latest in a line of initiatives introduced to make Accrington a safer place at night.

"We have created a radio link scheme for pubs, required doormen to become registered and see this new bylaw as another way forward for the borough.

"We are consulting relevant parties including landlords, the police and the drinkers themselves, as we are obliged to do.

"Introducing this bylaw is much easier now the Government has given the idea its approval."

Insp Dale Allen, of Accrington Police, said they were supportive of the scheme and believed it would make Accrington safer. The town attracts thousands of revellers from across East Lancashire every Sunday, with the town's atmosphere being described as the best in the area on Sundays.

Council leader Peter Britcliffe said: "This is something which seems to have taken a long time to come, but now we are moving forward I am pleased.

"People want to feel safe in the town centre and knowing people arer no longer wandering around drinking should go some way to achieving that."

Banning drinking would also give the council the chance to punish a group of drunks who loiter in Accrington town centre during the day, much to the anger of traders. Recently the group switched from their usual Broadway haunt to benches in front of the Accrington Market Hall -- upsetting stallholders.

Neville Slinger, chairman of Accrington Market Hall Tenants' Association, said: "Action needs to be taken. These people are spoiling the town centre."