POLICE are to stage a weapons amnesty in a bid to make Blackburn's streets safer.

Liz Riding, media and marketing officer with the eastern division of Lancashire Police, said the amnesty would be launched in the near future and anyone who possesses an illegal weapon will be able to pass it on to the police without fear of prosecution. The initiative is part of a three-year crackdown on town centre violence launched by officers earlier this month.

Safe Streets will look at what can be done to make the town safer at night.

But, despite these high-profile campaigns, police still insist Blackburn's streets have not become no-go areas at night.

Liz said: "Last Friday night we canvassed 120 drinkers in the town centre and they said they felt quite safe.

"But as part of this initiative we will be raising the profile of the police in the town, putting more officers out at certain times and starting dog patrols. We will also be working with Blackburn with Darwen Council's licensing committee to see which clubs and pubs should be granted licences."

The campaigns are aimed at halting violence in the town centre, such as the assault on Paul Denial outside the Utopia nightclub. Blackburn magistrates heard Paul was knocked to the ground and repeatedly punched by John Taylor of Lisburn Drive Darwen. Taylor was told he had narrowly avoided going to prison and was ordered to do 170 hours community service and pay £2,500 compensation.

Liz Riding said: "We are addressing the problems of alcohol-fuelled violence as it will not be tolerated. We want to make Blackburn a safer place to visit both at night and during the day."