ONE of Burnley's premier parks could be restored to its former 17th century glory thanks to a £4million lottery bid.

One hundred years after Towneley Park first opened to the public the council are seeking to breathe new life into the 400-acre attraction -- one of the most popular in East Lancashire.

The bid contains more than 100 proposals to restore historic features, car parks, bridges and shelters, improve visitor facilities such as toilets and signage and ensure the park is safe for the future.

Access to the park for pedestrians would also be improved and a shuttle-bus would run from the town's bus station to the park and hall on busy days and during school holidays.

Council bosses estimate the cost of the five-year plan would be £4.2m with 75 per cent of funding available from the Heritage Lottery Fund and the remainder funded by Burnley Borough Council and Lancashire County Council.

Towneley Park is Burnley's most visited and treasured attraction with only Pendle Hill in East Lancashire beating it in the popularity stakes.

Last year more than 20,000 people visited the park, many attracted by the variety of special events.

The improvement project was originally proposed three years ago when a bid of £1.6m was submitted with the backing of more than 7,500 people who signed a petition.

However, following a visit from an expert from the Heritage Lottery Fund the council were advised to carry out a full review of proposals.

The planned park improvements follow a £1.5million programme of major refurbishment to Towneley Hall itself to celebrate the centenary last year.

The council's park services manager Simon Goff said: "One hundred years ago the council had the foresight to purchase Towneley Park for the people of Burnley and generations of local people have enjoyed visiting it.

"If we are successful with this ambitious lottery bid the council will be able to carry out improvements that will enable future generations to continue to enjoy this wonderful park."

Burnley MP Peter Pike today welcomed the plans and said: "I support the bid. Towneley is the largest of Burnley's many parks and is a jewel in the crown of the town. Anything we can do to improve the facilities and make it even more attractive is to be welcomed."