EAST Lancashire's football derby could be back on the menu if Clarets star winger Glen Little's New Year wish is granted.

The Lancashire Evening Telegraph columnist and Burnley hero said: "It would be great to make the play-offs and then get promoted to set up a return with Rovers.

"But I guess the main thing you hope for is to stay fit and healthy."

But Clarets Stan Ternent is more worried about keeping his squad fit after an injury-plagued run up to Christmas.

Stan admitted there was still some work to do before his squad could make the step up back into the top division.

"I hope that in the next year we will be healthier than we have been in the past few months and all of the first team squad will be available," he said.

For Burnley fans promotion is only part of the dream. Paul Smith, of Boundary Clarets, would like to see other issues on and off the pitch addressed.

"I'd like Burnley to maintain the progress the club has been making and for a better standard of refereeing to take place next year because this year has been a sham not just for Burnley but for football as a whole," as a whole.

"I'd love Burnley to finish in the top six but that could be hard with the financial difficulties the club has been having so I hope that will improve next year. I would also ask for Burnley fans to be treated fairly.

"Because of recent troubles we have been singled out as trouble-makers but that's not the case. We're no worse than any other fans, except we get the blame for everything. People forget to mention the trouble which takes place everywhere else.

"There was trouble at Blackburn when they played West Ham on Saturday but there hasn't been a lot of fuss made about that. We want to be treated fairly and move away from the bad image we have."

Elsewhere in Burnley, Lisa Durkin, town centre manager, said: "We've a lot to look forward to, but 2003 will mainly be a planning year to launch us into 2004. There will be a lot of things going on behind the scenes to try and get things moving.

"The new Tesco should be open by September 2003 and we should see a newly refurbished railway station because the funding is around for that.

"We'll be working with the new shopping centre owner and looking at the potential in and around the town centre to get further investment for Burnley."

Stuart Caddy, leader of Burnley Council, said: "I am looking for continued support and an early announcement from the Government in 2003 to tackle the real issues of concern around market re-structuring.

"I recognise the good and loyal work that the council and communities are doing to make Burnley a better place for everyone and to wish everyone a successful and peaceful New Year."

Lancashire Chief Constable Paul Stephenson said: "I'm sure 2003 will bring with it many more challenges and demands. It will also bring numerous exciting opportunities for us to make a real difference to the lives of people living in Lancashire's communities. We will continue our fight against crime and disorder by working closely with all our partners.

"We remain totally committed to tackling the problem of drugs and the scourge they bring to our society.

"I am looking forward to 2003 with confidence and I hope that it will be a peaceful and successful time for us all."

Bishop of Blackburn, the Rt Rev Alan Chesters, said: "There are two things I wish for. The first has got to be a prayer for world peace and the second is a revival of local community life in which people feel their contribution matters."

Burnley's Commonwealth gold medallist, gymnast Craig Heap, said: "We will be launching the new gymnastics initiative in schools which we're hoping is going to be a success.

"I will look forward to planning my wedding which I think will be taking place in 2004. I have had many highlights over the years and hope that 2003 can be just as rewarding."

The fight to improve houses across the area is top of the list for Coun Jean Battle, acting leader of Hyndburn Council.

She said: "I hope we get this £170 million to improve our housing stock in East Lancashire because we have a great problem and we need to do something.

"The situation in Iraq is a bit worrying too and could affect everybody's lives in this country."