PENDLE Council is to take another look at its policy on controversial shop security shutters.

The move followed pleas by embattled traders in Nelson town centre who were faced with being forced to pull down their unauthorised shutters.

They put up the steel blinds just months before a change in policy in June which banned them.

Now the council's policy committee has been asked to look at cases where traders have installed the security measures just before the change of policy and come up with a compromise.

One shopkeeper, whose business was hit by burglars five times in a month, told Nelson area committee: "We deemed it absolutely essential to put shutters up."

Coun Mohammed Iqbal said: "We have to listen to people and take note."

Bunny's discount store, The Market Plaice chip shop, Bancrofts Hardware and tobacconist P&J Nicholas had all applied for permission for their shutters but planning officers had recommended refusal.

The decisions on their applications were deferred until a firm policy was agreed.

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