A POLICE crackdown on anti-social behaviour in Padiham has been welcomed by a local councillor who spearheaded demands for a greater presence in the town .

Coun Granville Lord said recently-announced plans for high visibility police patrols on the streets could only build confidence in the community.

But he added he believed police had got it wrong by saying they would target local pubs in their action codenamed Operation Flaunt.

He said: "Local licensees are responsible and sensible people who head off trouble.

"There is a drink-related problem but the troublemakers are not getting alcohol from local pubs - they are using other sources."

Coun Lord, himself a victim of violence in the town, helped residents organise a recent public meeting and protest march through Padiham demanding greater police presence.

He said he was disappointed Lancashire's chief constable Pauline Clare had turned down an invitation to attend the next public meeting.

Police last week said Operation Flaunt would include visits to local pubs and licensees would be asked to help them combat nuisance, disorder and damage in the town.

The aim of the operation is to reduce public disorder and anti-social behaviour by 20 per cent on last December's figures.

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