SPECIAL measures are being put in place ahead of the East Lancashire football derby on December 2.

Plans have been made to ensure the clash between bitter rivals Burnley and Blackburn Rovers passes without incident.

Representatives from both clubs have been meeting with police to discuss the best way of controlling the crowds ahead of the 12.30pm kick off.

All Rovers fans attending the game will arrive at Turf Moor in coaches via the Blackburn Rovers Away Travel scheme with pick ups from either Ewood Park or GEC Business Park in Accrington.

Coach tickets are £6.50 and are allocated along with match tickets. Fans from Ewood Park have had to apply for the 3,400 away supporter tickets in writing, with no extra tickets held back for sale on match day.

Roads closest to Turf Moor, including Harry Potts Way and Belvedere Road, will be closed prior to the match and at full time to facilitate the Blackburn Rovers coaches, although during the game there will be access.

Officers said they were confident the game would pass without issue and they would police it as they would any other game.

Superintendent Terry Woods said: “We have been working closely with both football clubs planning the arrangements for the match at Turf Moor in December.

“As with previous encounters between the two teams, the same travel arrangements will apply to this fixture and also the game at Ewood Park in March.

“The policing priority for us is simple. To ensure the safety of the supporters and of those involved in the game. We have been consulting with the official supporters clubs of the two teams and have listened to their feedback.”

Fans wanting more information are being urged to contact their club.