THE self-styled leader of what became known as the "Bouley Gang" has been banned from Blackburn town centre.

The exclusion zone, which extends around the entire town centre, has been imposed under an interim anti-social behaviour order (ASBO) applied for by the police.

The application for a full order will be heard at Blackburn magistrates court on April 6.

The court was told there was a history of poor behaviour, much of it involving drink, which had been monitored by police, town centre and market security staff and had led to numerous complaints.

PC David Hall said Craig's behaviour had caused concern over a number of years and an Asbo was seen as the best way to protect the public.

"The application we will put before the court is based on incidents logs, intelligence reports and arrests," said PC Hall.

Liz Parker, defending, said she would be objecting to the evidence put forward and asked the magistrates to consider whether an interim order would be just.

"He acknowledges that he has a problem with drink but he is attending Alcoholics Anonymous," said Mrs Parker.

She said the Department of Works and Pensions and the Community Drugs Team which he attended were in the town centre.

"It will cause him enormous problems if he can't attend them," said Mrs Parker.

"He is happy to accept a ban on drinking in the town centre but he doesn't think the rest is just."