A COUNCILLOR has revealed that Preston's new city centre street drinking restrictions could be extended if the scheme is a success.

From April it will be against the law to drink on the streets of Preston, in a scheme that targets most of the city centre.

After a bid to the Home Office and months of consultation, more than 50 streets were chosen as part of the pilot scheme. But complaints were received by the council that the restrictions did not cover a large enough area.

Councillor Veronica Afrin, chairman of the community safety initiative, said: "There is a demand to widen the area particularly to take in Friargate and around the university. When this is a success we will, if there is a demand, look at extending it."

A report to the council revealed that, between August 2001 to July 2002, there were 522 assaults in the area, including 207 woundings.

In law, local councils can designate areas where alcohol is linked to problems. The police can then use their powers to stop drinking on those streets. About 70 signs will be posted around the area warning drinkers.