DISAPPOINTED councillors were told they could not pass a by-law to force drunks and winos out of town centres.

Alcoholics who harassed shoppers were becoming an increasing problem in Hyndburn, prompting a flood of complaints from the public.

But Hyndburn Council was warned the Home Office was unlikely to approve any law changes without "statistical evidence" of the problem.

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