THE people of Burnley must play a part in implementing the recommendations of the Task Force report, says its chairman Lord Clarke.

Hundreds of people from voluntary and statutory organisations and members of the public packed into the James Hargreaves Stand at Turf Moor to hear Lord Clarke make an emotional plea to the people of the town.

The report into the cause of the riots in June and recommendations to prevent a repeat were published in December last year.

Yesterday's meeting at Burnley Football Club was the first opportunity the Task Force has had to hear what the public thinks of the report.

Opening the meeting Lord Clarke said: "The circumstances that led to this meeting are well known and the long and detailed consultation process has been made clear to the people of Burnley.

"The three months work wasn't easy. There are no easy answers and and nobody can make any silly promises about the future."

Lord Clarke said that during his time in Burnley he had been "stunned" by many things, particularly the deprivation in some parts.

During a public question and answer session the Bishop of Burnley, the Right Reverend Dr John Goddard said that a growth of dialogue between faiths was already "bearing fruits" and the young persons' representative Alik Mitchell called on all organisations in Burnley to carry on listening to young people.

Lord Clarke was told of the many voluntary organisations that exist in Burnley.

Council leader Stuart Caddy also praised the work of volunteers in Burnley, who he said were "tremendous."

But, after hearing contributions from various groups, Lord Clarke said: "I know that many of you represent organisations, but those of you who don't can commit yourselves."

"There is no problem for the future of Burnley, just look around you.

"I have been heartened by the responses from all organisations. There is so much good here we must put it to good use.

"This meeting has confirmed my view that I have held from the start of this process, that people have a desire to put the events of June behind them and to look to the future.

"The input from so many organisations was so positive that it would be a tragedy if this opportunity was missed to build on this goodwill and commitment. If the opportunity is lost, it may be decades before another presents itself.

"I am particularly heartened by the fact that not one person was against our pledge today.

"This should be seen as a launch for all people, both statutory organisations, voluntary and members of the public to become involved in the desperate need for making progress."