A POWER failure caused by the millennium computer bug and a fight in a supermarket over the last can of lager.

These were two of the possible scenarios outlined to the public in a video presentation showing the problems the police may face during the end-of year celebrations.

The light-hearted video programme was shown to the public at a police forum meeting, where Lancashire Police outlined their plans to ensure millennium celebrations run smoothly in East Lancashire.

Superintendent Bernard Kershaw told the Hyndburn Police and Community Forum meeting at Accrington Town Hall that the police's main aims during the New Year period will be ensuring public safety at busy millennium events and making sure criminals do not strike while people are out celebrating.

Although no large-scale public events are planned as yet in the county, the police are already gearing up to deal with the possibility of crowd control problems, drunken revellers and the effects of severe weather.

Lancashire Police intend to run a public information campaign later in the year to give people advice about securing their houses and possessions, as well as their personal safety over the millennium period. The force has drawn up emergency plans, together with fire and ambulance services, to prepare for any major incidents. The police have also prepared strategies to deal with potential problems caused by failures in gas, electricity and water supply, although Supt Kershaw said he felt such problems were unlikely.

He said that public facilities like traffic lights and motorway emergency telephones had all been checked in an effort to make sure they were millennium-compliant, and would not malfunction after the clock strikes midnight.

He urged members of the public intending to have street parties to seek permission from their local council first, and to ensure the police were informed of events.

Anyone who is planning a millennium event in Blackburn, Hyndburn, Darwen or the Ribble Valley can contact Insp Stuart Caley at Blackburn police station, 01254 51212, to notify him of plans.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.