A "LOVERS' lane" in Burnley is set to be closed to cars after complaints about 'amorous' behaviour in the area.

Dyneley lane, which runs between Bacup Road and Burnley Road in Cliviger, is part of the Lancashire Cycleway - a 260 mile figure of eight cycle tour of the county centred on Whalley in the Ribble Valley.

But a stretch of the lane - known locally as Buckclough Lane - and is now set to be closed to vehicles after complaints about anti-social behaviour' and because of the danger posed by cars to walkers, cyclists and horse riders.

Cliviger with Worsthorne councillor Cosima Towneley, who lives on the lane, said: "Let's just say that there have been a number of rocking cars outside people's homes and some amorous goings on and although that may sound amusing there are a number of children in the area who live on and use the lane and that sort of behaviour is not really appropriate.

"There is also an issue of fly-tipping and safety.

"Cars drive too fast on the lane and there have been many near misses in the past because it is a single track road well used by horse and bike riders and walkers. We need this driving prohibition to make it safer."

But long-term member and former chair of Cliviger Parish Council Edward Heys questoned whether the move was needed.

He said: "I have known that lane for 75 years and as far as I am concerned there has never been a problem. Certainly in my 35 years on the parish council we have never had one complaint about this issue."

Dave Bloomer, Lancashire County Council Environment Directorate said: "In 2005 a request was received via a local resident and member of the parish council asking that consideration be given to closing Dyneley Lane to through traffic on the grounds that its vertical and horizontal alignment, together with its narrow width, made it unsafe for pedestrians, horse riders and cyclists. There were also allegations of anti-social behaviour taking place.

"It is considered that the proposed prohibition of driving would make Dyneley Lane safer for pedestrians, horse riders and cyclists by preventing potential conflict between these users and through traffic."

Cliviger and Worsthorne Police and Community Support Officer Dave Johnson said none of the issues mentioned had been brought to the attention of the police.

The driving ban will be discussed at a meeting of the Lancashire Local: Burnley committee at the Town Hall, Burnley next Monday.