ANTI-TERRORIST security will be tighter than ever for the Labour Party Conference in Blackpool this year.

The £3million police operation will also take a higher profile with more armed police on the streets.

The conference from September 30 to October 3 will be protected by Operation Palisade headed by Deputy Chief Constable Steve Finnigan.

"The most obvious addition will be the use of barriers around the two main conference venues, the Imperial Hotel and the Winter Gardens," he said. "The purpose is to protect against possible terrorist attack and although there is no specific information at this time we cannot be complacent."

Security has been tightened in the wake of last year's September 11 attack on the World Trade Centre.

Mr Finnigan added: "There will be more street closures and overtly armed officers will be on patrol at the two venues. We understand that the public may question the need for such tactics. However, our informed decision is that in the current climate it is an entirely appropriate plan.

"Delegates may experience longer queues at the two venues with more detailed checks and searches being carried out. Although this may cause some inconvenience, our priority at all times is the safety and security of everyone attending this event."

He said they would try to ensure the town was not too badly disrupted.

"We would ask everybody living and working in and around the resort to remain alert and be vigilant at all times in the run up to the conference as well as during the event itself. Anything suspicious should be reported to the police immediately."

The cost of the operation will be partly funded by the Home Office.

Mr Finnigan added that although officers would be drawn from across Lancashire other communities need not be worried about cover. There would be no annual leave permitted, giving the necessary resources.

To keep politicians moving on their trip to the seaside venue, Virgin trains are to lay on extra services to avoid the Milton Keynes area where extensive repairs are being undertaken. This work would add around 90 minutes to travelling time.