ANGRY milkmen today launched a campaign to overturn a new bylaw banning the employment of youngsters in the delivery of doorstep pintas.

And Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans has called on milk delivery firms to mount a legal challenge against the new ruling.

"The county council has gone completely insane over this one and the milkmen have my complete support. I will be suggesting that they take legal advice with a view to getting this ruling overturned. This is yet another setback for doorstep delivery," he said.

Clitheroe Mayor John McGowan, who delivered milk as a teenager, has claimed the decision will put milk delivery firms out of business and has called an emergency meeting of Clitheroe Council to discuss the matter.

Lancashire County Council and Blackburn with Darwen Council are to adopt a European directive banning youngsters aged 16 and under from working in 14 jobs. These including working in nightclubs, commercial kitchens, fairgrounds and slaughterhouses, as well as delivering milk. But Clitheroe milkmen have received the backing of parents in their fight against the new ruling.

Milkman Robin Spedding, of Henthorn Farm, Henthorn Road, said: "We are prepared to work with the authorities to find a solution, but are not giving up without a fight. This is our way of life and we have enough on our plates competing with supermarkets."

A spokesman for Lancashire County Council said: "It is quite clear that the bylaw is intended to protect young children. Of the list of prohibited employments, only one or two specifically relate to rural activities. There is no intention to attack the rural way of life."

Blackburn with Darwen Council has already adopted the stricter guidelines on milk deliveries, to come into force on September 1.

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