A MAN aged 47 from Burnley has become the first person to be banned from the town centre because of causing damage to a taxi.

The interim ban prohibits the man, who has not been named by police, from town centre pubs and clubs.

It was served on him by Burnley Against Night-time Disorder.

Inspector John Clucas said: "Violence will simply not be tolerated either in town centre pubs and clubs or taxis."

The ban has been welcomed by Burnley Hackney Carriage Association and is subject to review pending the outcome of court proceedings.

Insp Clucas added: "Taxi chiefs were very enthusiastic about joining the scheme when we decided to extend it to cover cabs late last year.

"They are pleased to see some action."