THE news that John Prestcott may be heading for Burnley in the wake of the riots is very welcome, and credit must go to Peter Pike for helping to bring it about. Of course, it would have been even more welcome if Tony Blair had decided to visit the town but, as substitutes go, Mr Prescott would be more than acceptable.

Even more important than ministerial visits, however, the government needs to respond to the troubles with firm action. It could do worse than listen to the calls made today for an independent inquiry to look at the causes of the disturbances. Such an inquiry -- with pointers to the way forward on race relations -- could provide an invaluable policy platform for the town's leaders.

An inquiry, headed by a high-profile outsider, would bring much needed objectivity to the problem and could complement the task force, made up of local community leaders, councillors and police, currently being set up.

According to Mr Pike, the Prime Minister indicated during their discussion that it would be wrong at this time to pour money into Burnley.

That would be seen as encouraging potential rioters across other northern towns, he argues. A fair point, but Mr Blair shouldn't wait too long before responding.

The fact is that Burnley's social and economic indicators make grim reading. Deprivation is a breeding ground for unrest and needs to be addressed with full force. Yes, significant portions of financial assistance have found their way into the town recently and more is on the way. But the feeling persists that Burnley's problems go so deep that the money will have to keep flowing.

On top of that, Burnley Council needs to take a stronger lead to develop policies which bring people together, alienating those political groups who feed on disharmony and whose objectives have little place in a civilised society.