PUBLIC spaces in Nelson town centre are set to become an alcohol-free zone after councillors voted to ban people from drinking booze in the open.

The council has decided to introduce the ban because of the problems of drinkers causing anti-social behaviour in the town centre.

The no alcohol order was unanimously approved by councillors at a meeting of the Nelson Committee of Pendle council and the scheme - which has the backing of the police - will now go out to public consultation for a month.

If the order is confirmed, it will become a criminal offence to drink alcohol after being warned by a police officer that it is illegal to do so.

The maximum fine for a conviction is £500.

Police will also have the power to confiscate alcohol which is being drunk in the designated public spaces.

Before the order takes effect the council will be responsible for putting up signs around the zone warning people of the ban.

Nelson Committee chairman Coun David Foster said: "The reason for the proposed order is to try and put an end to the intimidation of people who are coming in to the town centre and finding people standing around drinking alcohol.

"This will form part of our plans for making Nelson somewhere people want to come and visit.

"We have the backing of the police and most pub landlords and hopefully we will be able to get this up and running in time for Christmas so visitors coming to do their festive shopping will feel welcome."

A report will go before councillors next month following the consultation.