TOWN Hall bosses have been accused of behaving like the Taliban in their treatment of students at Bury Arts and Crafts Centre.

Campaigner Mr Lionel Cox also demanded an independent inquiry into why classes are being shut down at the Broad Street centre.

He is unhappy that the woodwork class has been closed on what he thinks are spurious health and safety grounds, the latest concerning an "unsuitable vice" which could cause the table to topple over if used to work a car axle.

"I suggest that the health and safety officers have a vice-like grip on the wrong end of the stick!" he told members at the latest council meeting. "Even a humble screwdriver was mentioned. It's like the Taliban."

Councillor Steve Perkins, executive member for lifelong learning, said: "The problem is that the health and safety people have recommended that the equipment is not up to certain standards. We would be liable if there were accidents. Facilities need to be withdrawn, but we are looking for alternative facilities."

Classes at the centre are due to be moved into the former Halifax building in The Haymarket, and the centre rebuilt as a new museum for the Lancashire Fusiliers. But Mr Cox says the Halifax is not big enough for all the classes, and suggested the Fusiliers move there instead.