PROTESTERS staged a sit-in protest against the closure of a Citizen's Advice Bureau (CAB) in Burnley yesterday.

Thirty people opposed to the closure of the Daneshouse Road centre refused to leave the building until bosses had listened to their views.

They eventually dispersed after discussions involving police, but have threatened to march through Burnley to the main St James Street centre if the closure goes ahead on Thursday as planned.

One of the protesters, Fazal Subhan, said the community was distressed by the closure plans which would make it harder for people to get advice and help when they needed it.

Mr Subhan said: "The community needs this building and can't do without it.

"If this centre closes on Thursday we will march in our hundreds."

CAB bosses have said the closure is aimed at saving money and that drop-in sessions at Northbridge House and Stoneyholme School would continue to provide a local service.

The Daneshouse Centre, as it was formerly known, has existed since 1992, but merged three years ago with the local CAB and the Burnley Community Advice Centre.

Lyn Hammond, chair of the merged organisation Burnley District Citizens' Advice Service, said money had to be saved and the Daneshouse Road office had running costs of £33,000 a year which was much higher than some others.

Mrs Hammond said: "Since I took over in September we have made a lot of changes for the better, but a physical building is our biggest cost.

"There are already two drop-in sessions planned in the area and we would hope to expand these."

A town centre presence had to be maintained because of agreements with the council.

Inspector Damien Darcy said: "This has been a very peaceful protest."