A BURNLEY councillor is calling for the return of a traditional village policeman following the latest in a spate of attacks on homes and businesses.

Chairman of Worsthorne parish council Tony Lambert said a dedicated beat bobby for the village would help cut incidents of vandalism and crime.

The call comes after a garage in Brownside Road was targeted in an arson attack in the early hours of Saturday. The blaze destroyed a Mini, tools and furniture valued at more than £2,000.

It is the latest in a series of incidents in the village over the last year.

In July a petrol bomb and dummy hand grenade were thrown during an attack on the Bay Horse pub. Police said three milk bottles containing fuel were thrown through a back window of the building and a hand grenade-like object - thought to be a toy - was thrown through a window at the front of the pub in Church Square.

The petrol bombs failed to ignite properly and only very slight damage was caused.

The incident was reported by the then licencee Janis Chisnall when she discovered the damage on returning to the pub from her home in Worsthorne.

Other incidents reported to police in the village include obscene graffiti sprayed outside the Bay Horse while a Union Jack flag was stolen from outside the Reading Rooms in Church Square. The village school has also been targeted by vandals who broke in and smashed windows.

Mr Lambert said a beat bobby for the area would help deter people from committing crimes.

He added: "Our own beat bobby would definitely improve things. This is the third time serious vandalism has hit the village."

In the past Worsthorne village had its own community policeman stationed in the police house in Brownside Road.

Police are investigating the latest attack, being treated as a suspicious blaze.

Sgt Steve Mounsey, of Burnley CID, said: "We are appealing for any witnesses to this fire or anybody who has information to call us at Burnley CID on 01282 472144 or free and in confidence on Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111." The owners of the garage did not wish to comment.