TROUBLEMAKERS have been warned to stay away from the Clarets’ Lancashire derby tie with Blackpool next week.

Police will mount a high-profile operation with colleagues from the British Transport force, when the Seasiders visit Turf Moor on Tuesday in the Championship.

Letters have already been sent out to known hooligans, who have a history for violence, urging them to stay away.

‘Firm but fair’ will be the police’s motto for the clash, according to Chief Insp Jeff Brown, who heads up Operation Fixture, the on-going initiative aimed at reducing trouble at Burnley games.

Police say they will use new powers in the Violent Crime Reduction Act to move on any potential problem-causers who might congregate outside the ground.

Chief Insp Brown said: “This is an exciting match involving two local Lancashire teams and we are expecting it to be a popular fixture. Our match policing operation will reflect that.

“There will be extra police officers deployed firstly to reassure visitors to the town and secondly to ensure that, if there is any disorderly behaviour, we can respond to it very quickly.

“The aim of the policing operation is simply to ensure that everyone enjoys the game in safety and has a good time.”

He warned travelling fans that they need to get a ticket in advance of the match, plan their travel carefully and arrive in good time.

And he urged visitors to Burnley to be wary of potential congestion problems before and after the match.

He added: “We are asking local residents, fans coming to the match and visitors to the town in general to be aware that there is a large match on and to patient if there is some congestion.

“In return we will do our best to keep disruption to a minimum and ensure there is no trouble at the game.”