FIRE safety measures must be installed at eight schools across Burnley and Pendle because of the risk of arson attacks, according to a report.

The report, compiled by Lancashire County Council and the Lancashire Combined Fire Authority, contains a suggested programme of fire and security initiatives at Lancashire schools.

They have highlighted 15 schools deemed to be the most at risk from arson attacks. Of the 15 schools in Lancashire at risk, eight are within the Burnley and Pendle areas.

They include Bradley nursery and primary schools in Nelson, Barden Community Infant School in Burnley; Barden Junior School in Burnley; Stoneyholme Community Primary School in Burnley; Westway School in Burnley; Stoneyholme Nursery School in Burnley and Calder View Community Special School in Burnley.

The schools will be fitted with a comprehensive fire detection system that will be linked through a communications system to a monitoring station.

The strategy report said: "The priority list of high risk school buildings uses data drawn from information made available at ward level and is not specific to particular schools."

A spokesman for Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service said: "A lot of the information originates from the local education authority.

"Data from the police and fire services was collated to find out which are the most troubled areas and which schools are most prone to arson attacks.

"Our intention is to improve safety and that is guarding not only against arson attacks but accidental fires as well."

A spokesman for Lancashire County Council said: "Fire Safety Strategy for Schools would require a considerable ongoing funding commitment.

"In line with other planned development programmes and in order to maximise the effect of the resources available for fire and security improvements to school premises, it will be necessary to co-ordinate Local Education Authority and school spending.

"It is proposed therefore, that schools identified through the priority list that wish to be included in the planned programme are required to contribute to the cost of improvements which are above an identified figure."