MOVES to ban the drinking of alcohol in public in a town centre are continuing, despite doubts the scheme will get Home Office approval.

Pendle councillors have asked officers to press ahead towards introducing a by-law banning drinking in public places in Colne centre as soon as possible - even though police feel it is not necessary.

A report to Colne councillors, who meet tomorrow to discuss the proposals, said the Home Office was unlikely to agree to the by-law without police support.

Police feel they already have enough powers to deal with the problem.

The move follows complaints about drinking and drunken behaviour, particularly in the area between the library and the pedestrian precinct.

The ban would cover the area between Skipton Road and Primet Bridge.

The council could prosecute anyone breaking the by-law at magistrates' court. A six-month study of the drinking problem in the town centre would have to be carried out, together with consultations with pub landlords, off-licence owners, businesses and local residents before the ban was introduced.

In a report, council solicitor Philip Mousdale says:"There must be at least some doubt that the problem is of a sufficient scale to justify the work involved and to convince the Home Office of the need for the by-law."

Mr Mousdale warned "innocent" drinkers could be caught out by the legislation which would also affect the town's hugely successful annual blues music festival.

Hundreds of drinkers spill out from town centre pubs onto the pavements during the event.

If councillors agree to press on with the drinks ban, the consultation will go ahead and local people will be asked for their views.

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