A POLICE training scheme for nightclub doormen in Burnley has been scrapped due to a lack of resources.

A council report says doormen have been missing training in first aid and drugs awareness over the last 18 months.

Inspector John Clucas of Burnley Police said: "The scheme was brought in here before the rest of the country caught up with us.

"Now that the schemes have taken off nationally, there are courses for people who want to work as door supervisors -- whereas we were providing impromptu training."

Insp Clucas denied that in the 18 months doormen have been operating without police training there was ever any danger to the public.

He continued: "They still have to be licensed by the council and we are still heavily involved in the vetting procedure."

Insp Clucas said there had been a shift in attitude in the training of doormen. "Quite rightly, the proper place to train door supervisors is in a college environment.

"Our training is mainly for our own officers and we have to make sure they are fully trained in new procedures and techniques such as restraint, baton and CS gas training."

Now, in order to enable doormen to meet their own code of conduct, Burnley Borough Council is seeking the help of Burnley College.

For a £25 fee, to be paid by individual doormen, the college will teach customer care, social skills, licensing laws, civil and criminal law and searching.

Council officer Ian Wolstencroft said: "It was a scheme the council implemented in 1996 and initially the police were providing training.

"Due to absence of resources the police have not been able to provide that training. Doormen are getting licenses just the same and we have been checking whether they are licensed."

Training provision is due to be discussed by the council's licensing committee tomorrow. Officers recommend a scheme in consultation with Burnley College.