THE elderly and vulnerable could be at risk from unscrupulous tradesmen during the long Christmas and Millennium break.

The fears were expressed by Coun Margaret Lishman of Burnley who said the elderly may be preyed on if their homes had burst pipes or broken windows during that time.

She said there was such a long period, from December 24 to January 4, when most of the council's day-to-day services would not be available.

She said: "Elderly people living alone will be left without access to services. Although the council is not directly responsible we should have some obligation to list reputable people for them to contact at this time."

She was told at a meeting of Burnley's policy and resources committee that part of the Millennium planning was for a joint publication with all other local authorities in Lancashire, the emergency services, major utilities and health trusts, to be delivered to every address in the county.

The high quality, 16-page publication will be distributed by the Royal Mail and will contain the kind of information suggested by Coun Lishman.

Information supplied by Burnley Council will include advice to council tenants including emergency telephone numbers; opening hours on all council offices/leisure and community facilities and markets; transport information; cremation and burial arrangements and details of refuse and street cleansing.

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