SKATEBOARDERS have been warned to steer clear of the Burnley bandstand and town centre pedestrianised area or face police action.

Local retailers and shoppers have made repeated complaints to the police about the skateboarders, most of them in their late teens and twenties.

Posters are now to be put on the bandstand warning the skateboarders and youths on scooters and bikes to keep off.

Shoppers have been hit in collisions with the riders.

Police have been called to the bandstand, which has been damaged, on several occasions.

PC Louise Darcy said police sympathised with the youngsters, but could not stand by while property was being damaged and shoppers were being put at risk.

She said: "We do sympathise with the youngsters to some extent because there doesn't appear to be anywhere suitable for skateboarding in the immediate location."

PC Darcy added: "We are willing to work with them and the council to help solve the problem and maybe find somewhere else for them to go but if we do this they must co-operate.

"At the moment that means them not skateboarding on or near the bandstand or on other pedestrianised areas."