IMPROVEMENTS will continue to be made to parks in Burnley and Padiham over the coming years.

Coun Charles Bullas said investment would continue to make the parks an enjoyable place to go for residents living in the borough.

Around £500,000 has been ploughed into park improvements at Memorial Park, Padiham, and Bank Hall Park, Burnley, over the past 12 months.

Coun Bullas, whose portfolio covers parks in the borough, said: “The parks have always been at the top of the agenda for this council.

“We want to give the people of Burnley a nice place to go and have a stroll and for the children to play in good play parks.

“It is nice to go and visit the good quality parks that we have provided.”

New public toilets were opened this month in Memorial Park, as well as new tennis and ball courts earlier in the year.

And £50,000 worth of improvements were recently completed at Bank Hall Park, in Colne Road, which included outdoor fitness equipment, the construction of a new footpath, and the planting of some wild meadow flowers.

Memorial Park was the latest park to land the accolade this year, with Thompson Park retaining the award for the 12th year.

Other winning parks were Ightenhill Park, Queens Park, Towneley Park and Scott Park.

Coun Bullas said: “There are a lot of good parks in the borough.

“All the big parks have got green flags now which shows the work that we put into them.

“We want to keep on top of them and keep hold of those awards.”

Design work is now taking place to improve play areas in Memorial Park and Clifton Street, as well as new zip wire for Towneley Park play area.