TRADERS in Nelson town centre are the target of a council crackdown on unsightly security shutters.

Four shops in pedestrianised Market Street look set to be refused planning permission for unauthorised shutters that do not meet the council's rules.

All four shops have erected the shutters without permission and face the possibility of having to dismantle them.

Nelson area committee, which meets on Monday, is being recommended to refuse permission for the shutters at Bunny's general store, The Market Plaice fish shop, Bancrofts hardware store and P & J Nicholas tobacconists.

The owner of The Market Plaice applied for permission for the shutters after his shop was broken into and there were five other attempts to break in within a month.

A report to councillors says the shops are on an extensive list of sites across the borough with unauthorised external security shutters. Pendle Council has recently adopted a policy on shop front shutters aimed at improving the look of town centres.

The move has been backed by a government report which says solid shutters can give an area a 'dead' appearance.

While it realises shopkeepers need to tackle crime and vandalism, the council wants security shutters designed so that they have as little impact on the shop's appearance.

Shutters that meet with council approval are open grilled, pre-treated to a colour to integrate with the shop front, cover only the display window and be rolled up in an internal shutter box when not in use or integrated into the shop front.

If permission is refused the owners have the right to appeal.

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