A BURNLEY church has been given the green light to put up a security fencing -- despite fears it will look "like a prison."

Father Geoffrey Hilton told councillors at a council meeting of a catalogue of vandalism at St Augustine's Church.

He said it is the sorry state of society for the decision to surround the place of worship with a two-metre-high steel barrier.

The church had suffered for some time with a "heavy dose of vandalism and youth nuisance," he explained.

This includes smashed windows, dumped rubbish, stolen cars abandoned in the car park, services disrupted by louts, parishoners abused and one youth clambering over the church roof.

"We are trying to secure our site and make people feel safe," said Fr Hilton. "The fence will make people secure and enhance the site."

He added that the church played an important role in the Rosegrove society and was home to many social and community groups, as well as worshippers.

Coun Sharon Wilkinson said: "I think it's a poor state of affairs when you have to fence a church off to keep out vandals. It's a sad reflection on society and policing in that area."

But some residents objected to the plans. Sheila Entwistle, of Audley Street, told members that the fence was far too high, was not in keeping with the area and would make the church "prison-like".

Speaking on behalf of other residents, she complained it would devalue properties, have a detrimental effect on the environment and leave those living in the street with a view of black railings.

"Will the people who are pushing for the railings but don't live in this area like these railings as the view from their living room? I don't think so," she added.

However, planning officer Paul Skinner said the wire mesh-type fencing would have very low impact, which would hardly be seen.

While councillors sympathised with residents they said residents could clearly see through a similar fence around nearby Lowerhouse School.

Coun Dennis Otter added that the school governors were "ecstatic" at the fall in vandalism since its fence was erected.