RESIDENTS are to be asked their views on how the shape the future of Burnley’s iconic three-mile canalside area.

Council chiefs are putting together a management plan that will help define the investment, development and regeneration of the area, which is the heart of Burnley’s historic industrial past.

One of the most important aspects of the plan is how the council can bring back into use a number of buildings along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal which have strong heritage links.

Coun Howard Baker, the council’s executive member for housing and environment, said: “The Leeds and Liverpool Canal and the canalside area are important assets for Burnley and we need to make the most of them.

“At the heart of the Canalside Conservation Area is the Weavers’ Triangle whose redevelopment is one of the council’s key regeneration initiatives and vital to the town’s future.

“I’d encourage anyone with an interest in the area to make their views on its future known and take part in the consultation.”

The six-week consultation in early 2013 will be largely conducted online, with hard copies of the documents available at the council’s contact centre, Burnley Town Hall and Burnley and Padiham central libraries.

Interested bodies such as English Heritage, the Heritage Lottery Fund, Weavers’ Triangle Trust, Burnley Civic Trust and other organisations, as well as building owners will also be consulted.

Earlier this year The Queen, Prince Philip and Prince Charles were all taken on a trip on the canal as part of a visit to the town ahead of the Diamond Jubilee.