Following a meeting between Burnley's MP Peter Pike and Tony Blair, John Prescott is set to visit the town to discuss the way forward after the race riots.

The Prime Minister agreed to try and arrange a visit for his deputy to the trouble-torn town to try and deal with the problems that caused the recent trouble.

Mr Pike arranged a meeting after tackling Mr Blair on the problems at Question Time last week.

After yesterday's discussions in the Downing Street garden, he is hopeful that measures can be taken to try and prevent any repeat.

Labour back bencher Mr Pike said: "The Prime Minister listened very carefully but obviously didn't make any commitments.

"I explained to him that Burnley Borough Council need more money to deal with the problems of the town in terms of poverty, deprivation and housing.

"He agreed that it should not be a question providing extra cash immediately for Burnley or Oldham, or it would send out a message that if you want extra help start a riot. But I made the point that in the longer term we needed more money, especially in terms of 'core' funding, so the council can deal with immediate problems.

"A great deal of the money is targeted and doesn't give the council the flexibility to deal with problems that it sees outside specific areas.

"And I also asked for a Cabinet Minister to visit the town. I particularly asked for John Prescott, the Deputy Prime Minister, who has the role of Cabinet enforcer and was until the reshuffle in charge of local government.

"The Prime Minister seems sympathetic and said he would try and arrange a visit.

"There is a problem that needs looking at and Mr Prescott seems the ideal man.

"Mr Blair indicated that either Mr Prescott or Transport and Local Government Secretary of State Stephen Byers would visit.

"There are deep-seated problems that need to be sorted out."

A Downing Street spokesman said: "The Prime Minister has obviously been concerned about events in Burnley and elsewhere and is pleased that things seems to have calmed down. He wanted to hear at first hand the views of Peter Pike, the MP for Burnley."