RAIL bosses have vowed to consider bringing in booze bans on trains to Barrow.

Last month British Transport Police launched a crackdown on drunk and unruly passengers on the Furness Line.

Special Constables have been policing the trains and stations in a bid to curb anti-social behaviour.

The operation has led to calls for booze bans on trains.

Ulverston Councillor Mark Wilson said: "I agree that measures should be taken re Drink and drunken passengers on rail journeys.

"I notice that closer to Workington and Whitehaven it seems that the Community Rail Partnership has arranged with Northern to ban alcohol on trains after a certain time.

"It could be good idea to consider for the Furness Line if travellers and figures display the need."

Alcohol bans on trains are at the discretion of the rail provider. A spokesman for Northern said if issues are reported then they will consider implementing booze bans.

Northern already operates bans on the last two trains from Newcastle to Carlisle and the last four trains from Carlisle to Whitehaven.

"We have a number of alcohol bans in place on several parts of the network and, if issues are reported to us, it is a measure we will consider on other lines," the Northern spokesman said.

"Dry trains are in place as previous experience on these lines of route indicates it is absolutely necessary to prevent and reduce disorder.

"The decision to implement dry trains is not taken lightly or without real reasons for doing so.

"As much warning as possible is given to all passengers about a dry train.

"This will include staff and posters at the platform ‘barrier’ and, where possible, announcements will be made on-board earlier trains.

"When a dry train operation is in place, we will warn people about trying to conceal alcohol in an attempt to take it onto the train.

"Being obviously drunken and so unsafe to travel, or trying to conceal drink in this manner and with this intention, may lead to people being refused travel.

"People who make a genuine mistake will be asked to dispose of the alcohol at the barrier rather than being refused travel.

"Our intention is to deal with those people who pose a risk of alcohol-related disorder or to the safety of the train, themselves and others by their behaviour.

"Trying to take alcohol onto a dry train will not lead to arrest or prosecution, but arrests and prosecutions will take place if offences or disorder occurs when the individual is challenged (Railway Byelaws 4 & 6).

"A dry service means there will be an enforced alcohol ban imposed at all stops between the point of departure and the destination."

Passengers can contact the Furness Line Community Rail Partnership at www.communityrailcumbria.co.uk