TOO often and for far too long, town centres at night -- especially at weekends -- have been equated in the perception of decent, law-abiding people with drunken hooliganism and violence.

As a result, many avoid the town centre altogether because they believe it is the dangerous and unattractive preserve of troublesome, alcohol-fuelled youths.

But why shouldn't people of all ages be able to enjoy a pleasant and peaceful night in town? Isn't that a right that is denied when the town centre gets a bad reputation and, in effect, becomes a no-go area by night for the majority?

How right it is then for Burnley to make firm efforts to undo the damage by strengthening steps already taken to take the town-centre streets back from the louts.

Already, it has scored significant success with its award-winning Burnley Against Night-time Disorder initiative, backed by police and the licensed trade, which in the past year has led to 52 people being banned for 12 months from town-centre pubs, clubs and taxis after being involved in trouble inside or outside of licensed premises or in cabs.

Recently given a merit mark in the country's 'Crime Concern' awards, the scheme has not only done much to reduce disorder and make the town centre safer, it has helped the community at large by creating a better environment in the town.

Now, the initiative is being added to with the introduction of three-month bans on anyone who causes damage to property while out drinking.

This extra step follows a number of incidents in which drunken hooligans have smashed shop windows and showered pavements with broken beer bottles.

If the loutish minority is punished and excluded, the majority may have a good night out in Burnley in peace and safety -- as they deserve. This scheme deserves every support.