VANDAL-resistant windows are to be installed at shops in Burnley town centre in a bid to curb the damage caused by yobs.

Private businesses in Lower St James's Street, from the Garden Bar and JJB Sports up to the Plane Tree Hotel, will be fitted with security film after concerns over the levels of vandalism and public disorder involving glass breakages.

Police want to minimise the damage and reduce the risk of injury from glass to perpetrators and passers-by.

Last year premises in Colne Road were fitted with the same coating in a bid to prevent a repeat of the attacks suffered during the 2001 riots.

Among the properties was the Duke of York pub, which became a focal point during the disturbances when it was reduced to a burned-out shell in an arson attack.

The polycarbonate safety glazing was fitted to ground floor windows after police advised that it was more effective than metal roller shutters. The glass was also fitted to a number of shops in the surrounding area, including the St John Ambulance headquarters. Every window of its Colne Road base was smashed by thugs in the riots.

The decision to fit the special glass in Lower St James Street was taken after a recommendation from Burnley Police's Community Safety team.

Officers from the team took the decision after carrying out a risk assessment in the area. The £60,000 needed for the scheme has come through Government grants and European money, although traders will be asked to pay around £10,000.

The plans were discussed at a recent meeting of the Burnley and District Chamber of Trade. Rita Walsh, of the chamber said: "There is some concern at the cost of the scheme, although it is up to us to make sure it is best value for money.

"The windows have got to be a good idea if they make the premises and the street safer for customers and passers by."