DURING the disturbances in Burnley at the end of June, police officers from across the county were deployed to deal with gangs of rampaging youths who set fire to cars, homes and businesses.

In the aftermath of the troubles, police chiefs have said that the cost of the operation, which could be in excess of one million pounds, may mean a rise in council tax rates in Lancashire, or a reduction in the number of police walking our streets.

Hyndburn MP Greg Pope called attempts by insurance companies to make the general public meet the full cost of the disturbances "outrageous" and has said that he hopes the police are successful in resisting any claims from them.

The leader of Burnley Borough Council, Stuart Caddy has said he "would be strongly opposed to any rise in council tax" resulting from the disturbances.

He said: "I don't think that 99.9 per cent of the people of Lancashire should have to pay for the mindless few who took part in the events of June 24, 25 and 26."

Burnley's MP Peter Pike is also in opposition and thinks it totally wrong.

"As far as I am concerned they insure, there are disturbances that damage, and they should pay out. I don't believe they should be allowed to transfer their liabilities to the council tax payer. Insurance companies are always trying to find a loophole to wriggle out of paying up."

Mr Pike said he would try and get Mr Blunkett to meet police chief Pauline Clare and chairman of the Police Authority Dr Ruth Henig.

"I would support their plea.

"Obviously there have been extra costs as a result of the disturbances and afterwards and the county needs extra money.

"I certainly don't want to see higher council taxes or fewer bobbies on the beat.

"We need more bobbies on the beat, not fewer."

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