A FULL review into building work at Burnley's Charter Walk shopping complex has been ordered after concerns over debris and dust.

Shoppers visiting the town centre said there was no sheeting in place to stop debris and dust falling onto passers-by.

Work is taking place on the second tier of the shopping centre, above the site of the former WH Smith store, and London-based asset managers Addington Capital, who own the centre, hope to have the £3million redevelopment work completed by Easter next year.

A spokesman for Charter Walk said: “We have not had any complaints from shoppers.

“The work is being carried out in full compliance with health and safety guidelines.

“Nevertheless we have asked the contractor to carry out a full review. Nothing is more important to us than the safety of our customers.”

Shopper Ellen Fennell said: “Workmen in town centre are hammer drilling to break up the balcony and they only have a fence erected. Bits are flying all over.

“Surely they have to have it all sheeted up to prevent this?"

Another shopper, who did not wish to be named, said: “I walked past near where River Island was on the corner and I got a bit of concrete dust in my eye. Particles are flying out. I thought sheeting should have been erected on health and safety grounds.”

Coun Shah Hussain, executive member for regeneration and economic development, vowed to ensure that health and safety regulations are being followed.

He said: “It is concerning that bits and pieces are flying on people. With this kind of work in the town centre safety should be paramount.

“When I saw the work myself I was a bit concerned that they didn’t have any sheeting or scaffolding up, but this is the first I’ve heard of people actually being hit by debris.

“There is a town centre office and if people have been hurt of affected by this I’d suggest they call in and speak to the town centre manager.