DRIVING a bull through the streets of Bournemouth might no longer make you liable to prosecution.

Loitering at church doors could also be legalised, and there could be an end to the ban on "wilful jostling" or the throwing of orange peel.

Councillors are considering throwing out some of the town's bylaws, which were drawn up in 1935, in favour of more modern ones.

Long-standing offences such as indecent bathing or playing a steam organ could give way to more modern irritations like skateboarding in the Square.

A report to Bournemouth Borough Council's cabinet says many of the Bylaws for the Good Rule and Government of Bournemouth "do not address the particular nuisances of present today".

Tim Martin, the borough's head of law and administration, wrote: "Updating them would also allow for the removal of those anachronistic items in the 1935 bylaws which sometimes make bylaws the subject of ridicule."

Councillors are to be asked which antisocial activities should be placed on the list, with skateboarding likely to be the top concern.

Cllr Jean Moore, cabinet member for developing communities and tackling crime, said: "There are some silly rules which really do need sweeping out."

Other activities which are banned by the current bylaws include:

Playing a steam organ "to the annoyance or disturbance of residents or passengers".

Playing a musical instrument or singing within 100 yards of a house or office, after being requested to desist by an occupant "either personally or through a servant"

Shouting or using a bell, gong or any other "noisy instrument" for the purpose of hawking or selling.

"Indecent bathing". The bylaw states: "No person shall within 200 yards of any street or public place, unless effectually screened from view, bathe from the bank or strand of any water, or from any boat thereon, without wearing a dress or covering sufficient to prevent exposure of the person."

"Wilful jostling".

Throwing or leaving orange peel, banana skin "or other dangerous substance" on the footway.

Driving - or causing to be driven or led - "any bull exceeding the age of 12 months, unless it be properly secured and kept under proper control".

Cllr Moore said: "We do need to revise all these outdated bylaws and bring them into the 21st century because society moves on and different aspects of life become aggravating to certain people.

"There are certain bylaws I'm sure the public would like to add to this. It would be interesting to know what bylaws members of the public would like to see included."

Barmy old bylaws...

Using "any indecent language or gesture".

Exhibiting an indecent show in a street, public place, or any place to which persons are admitted.

Carrying soot, lime or "other offensive substance" not properly protected.

Carrying the undressed carcass of any animal - or any offensive offal - unless properly covered.