AN Action group has been set up in Burnley and Pendle to fight the government's plans to introduce ID cards.

Burnley and Pendle Defy ID Cards is to explore ways people can oppose the controversial proposals which could see everyone forced to carry the card.

The organisation's co-ordinator, Michelle Simmons, today said the group was hoping to work with political allies who were against the bill.

She said: "It's just a few of us from the community who are concerned about the cards and how it infringes on our civil liberties.

"We are hoping by forming a group early we can find ways to resist it.

"We have spoken to the Liberal Democrats who are opposed to the idea and hope to work with them."

The group was launched at a public meeting at the end of October. It will meet for the second time this Thursday when more details of how to fight the proposals will be set out.

Miss Simmons said it was hoped officials would be appointed and an action plan would be drawn up.

The bill is currently going through Parliament where it will be heard in the House of Lords. Under the scheme, face, iris and fingerprint scans will be used to identify people and it is expected most people will want a combined passport and ID card, costing an estimated £93 each to make. The cards will be valid for 10 years.

Miss Simmons said the group was opposed to the information the database behind the cards would hold.

She added: "We are in the early stages but it is important we raise the issue."

Burnley and Pendle Defy ID Cards is meeting at Central Methodist Church, Hargreaves Street, Burnley, at 7pm on Thursday.

For more details ring

01282 703980 or e-mail burnleysaysno@hotmail.co.uk.