EXTRA police patrols have been set up for an anti-racism demonstration due to take place in Burnley at the weekend.

Additional police officers will be on the streets on Saturday for the planned Unity Demonstration and will carry out extra, high visibility patrols both along the route of the rally and in and around the rest of the town, not only to deter disorder but also to provide added reassurance to the town's visitors.

Chief Inspector Richard Morgan said: "Although there is nothing to suggest that there will be problems on Saturday, extra officers are being deployed.

"This is to deter people from causing trouble and ensure that if there are any problems, we can respond to them very quickly.

"The extra police presence is also designed to reassure visitors and shoppers in town and to ensure they can go about their business as usual."

Despite Mr Morgan's insistence that there are no signs of trouble, messages about the demonstration have been posted on a football hooligans' website.

One group, calling itself White National Pride, said it was planning a counter demonstration on Saturday and those logging on to the website were being encouraged to support their action.

Police added that their special evidence gathering teams, equipped with video cameras, would also be in action filming the proceedings.

Mr Morgan added: "It is our intention to make sure that the demonstration takes place with minimal disruption to the town.

"Anyone who we suspect is intent on causing disorder or who is behaving in a disorderly manner will be dealt with swiftly. "Disorderly or anti-social behaviour will simply not be tolerated by police in Burnley. Offenders will be traced and put before the courts."

A number of road closures will also be in place during the demonstration.

The closures are expected to be in force from 11.30am for approximately one hour, depending on how many people take part in the demonstration.

Local businesses have been informed by letter.

The roads affected are: Queen's Lancashire Way, Hammerton Street, Manchester Road (from the roundabout to Grimshaw Street), Elizabeth Street, Parker Lane (from Elizabeth Street to Finsley Gate) and Finsley Gate (to the Junction with Manchester Road).