A BOROUGH could get a new skate and bike park as part of an upgrade of play areas which will see seven smaller ones close.

The progress of the review will be discussed by Burnley councillors later this month.

The authority's 2017-26 play strategy set out plans to refurbish 17 play areas, nine of which have been completed (including those at Towneley, Thompson and Scott Parks) with a further three set to be finished by the end of this year.

There are also plans to explore the possibility of creating a wheeled sports area in Burnley town centre for use by bikes, skateboards and scooters if a suitable location can be found.

There is also a proposal to work with community groups to try and create up to five new 'pump tracks' in the borough.

The £500,000 strategy will also see seven smaller underused play areas close of which two have already shut including Burns Street from where the equipment has been transferred to the refurbished Stoneyholme Gardens 'pocket park'.

Two new play areas - at the new Kiddrow Lane and Red Lees Road housing estates - will be provided and run by the developers.

The strategy’s progress and next steps will be discussed by the council’s scrutiny committee on July 7 before going to its executive on 13th July.

The changes would still leave 51 play areas across the borough, the highest level of provision per head of population in East Lancashire.

Cllr Margaret Lishman, Burnley Council’s leisure boss said: “We’re blessed with a large number of play areas across our borough. It’s great to see progress being made on refurbishing those that need upgrading so that they can continue to provide a place of fun and activity for local children.

“The review of our play strategy has enabled us to ensure we target the limited resources we have most effectively. This has meant some playgrounds are shutting but the equipment is being refurbished and relocated in play area with higher concentrations of usage.

“Play is an important part of growing up and we’re keen to provide the best facilities we can in the places where they will be most used."