TOWN centre drinkers are deterring shoppers from Accrington centre, a council leader has said.

Coun Peter Britcliffe, leader of Hyndburn Council, says he will not take his young daughter into Broadway because of people who drink in the town centre, and called for tough measures to eliminate the problem.

He told a meeting of the Hyndburn Partnership Board that the drinkers were keeping out shoppers, who were 'put off' . Coun Britcliffe said: "They are not breaking any laws, but it must be very off-putting to shoppers and we need to get these people out of the town centre.

"I can't take my four-year-old daughter on Broadway while they are drinking and I'm sure a lot of parents feel the same when they want to go and buy new school uniforms.

"I don't want to deny anyone their freedom, but there is a time and a place for everything and a sunny August afternoon is not the time to drink on the streets of Accrington."

Town centre liaison officer Bill Huntly added: "It is pointless throwing money at schemes to brighten up the town centre when people are drinking, because that is the image that will stay with people who visit."

Patrick Collister, of Age Concern Hyndburn, claimed: "A lot of older people do feel intimidated by this and some even avoid Broadway when they walk to our Whalley Road office." Inspector Dale Allen, of Lancashire Police, said the problem was being looked at by a sub-group of the borough's new Crime and Disorder Strategy partnership.

He said the group's recommendations would be in place next month and a report would be prepared for a future board meeting.

Insp Allen added: "One idea which has worked elsewhere is to design the town centre so there isn't anywhere for these people to drink."

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