BLUEPRINTS for a multi-million pound revamp of a green haven - designed to restore the heart to the parkland - have been unveiled at a public meeting.

Council chiefs in Pendle are hopeful of attracting a major investment package from the national Parks for People programme to transform Alkincoats Park in Colne.

Alkincoats Hall was pulled down in the 1950s but remants of the old estate still remain - and that is what consultants will look to draw upon, the Pendle council Colne area committee was told.

The park has been described as a "hidden treasure" by locals and the regeneration project will aim to illuminate visitors to the venue's heritage and wildlife value.

Proposals are being drawn up to bring the walled garden back into popular use. It is felt that after the walls are upgraded, repointed, and the site properly secured, it could host story-telling sessions and select social gatherings.

Tom Walker, of environmental consultants Gillespies, said: "One of the issues is that there are a wide range of uses and there needs to be a heart to the park.

"The existing pavillion is a great focal point for that end of the park and a key part of our plans is that it should be refurbished so it can provide a base for a number of activities and better facilities for bowlers."

It is envisaged that the pavilion could host anything from craft markets, summer festivals and plant swaps to seasonal dances, barbecues and serve as a backdrop for community theatre events.

Park advisors also want to draw together the three main elements of Alkincoats - the nature reserve to the north, the main body of the park around the pavilion and Holthouse playing fields, which will be the subject of separate funding bids.

Mr Walker explained how history ports' - etched glass recreations of scenes from yesteryear - would be dotted around the park.

And viewing shelters focusing on the surrounding countryside - capitalising on what many feel is one of Alkincoats' most prized assets - will be strategically placed there.

New gateways will be created at the current existing entrances - including the main gate which is currently surrounded by car parking.

In an effort to open up' the main entrance, the car park will be moved to a less conspicious corner of the park.

Tree-lined avenues and floral displays around the bandstand are being talked about and the putting green will be reinstated.

Consultants were given a £50,000 grant to pull together the park plans and will now the outcome of their bid in October.

Council leader Coun Alan Davies said: "We should look at what an affect a lottery grant has had on Marsden Park. This should make us realise what we can do if we get our hands on the money."

Coun Ann Kerrigan added: "This is a wonderful opportunity for Colne."