A MAN employed by an East Lancashire council to crack down on anti-social behaviour has been charged with assaulting his girlfriend.

Paul Shaw, 33, of Noble Street, Rishton, works for Blackburn with Darwen Council's community safety team as an anti-social behaviour co-ordinator.

He was suspended after the alleged offence came to light.

His job is to increase public safety in neighbourhoods by helping to reduce incidents of anti-social behaviour.

Shaw was arrested by police at a house in Heys Court, Blackburn, in the early hours of December 17.

It is there that he is alleged to have attacked his partner, Joanne Adair, who works for Twin Valley Homes as a housing officer.

Shaw has been conditionally bailed by Hyndburn magistrates.

At court he did not enter a plea and the case has been adjourned until February 2 so the Crown Prosecution Service can consider if they are to proceed with the case.

Shaw, a man of previous good character, took up his position with the community safety team last September.

The post is funded by the Home Office Together Action Area initiative as part of the council's community safety partnership.

Adam Scott, director of regeneration, housing and neighbourhoods for Blackburn with Darwen Council: "I can confirm that an investigation is under way and an employee has been suspended.

"I cannot comment further at this stage for legal reasons."