DRINKING in Preston's public places could be banned after a string of complaints about abusive and violent behaviour.

Police were called to the Pot Fair on Preston Flag Market last week after complaints from traders about the behaviour of several people. Three were arested.

Staff at the nearby Harris Museum and Library have recently been threatened and assaulted. Drunks often urinate in the entrance area and a number of visitors' possessions have been stolen.

A report by Preston Borough Council said: "A source of much of these problems seems to be the numbers of people who sit in the Market Square drinking."

Councillor Veronica Afrin told the Citizen: "I have had complaints from traders on the square. We also provide children's entertainment from time to time on the square and there have been a few people standing around drinking and shouting at people." She fears visitors will be driven away from these areas if action isn't taken soon.

Council officers have looked to other towns and cities for ideas in a bid to solve the problem.

But Mrs Afrin stressed that pub terraces where customers can enjoy a drink in the sunshine would not be affected.

"We want the issue to be addressed properly," she said.

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