WORKS to improve Burnley town centre for shoppers and visitors - totalling nearly £170,000 - have been drawn up by town hall environment bosses.

An overhaul of town centre CCTV cameras, a vital tool in helping Lancashire police crackdown on street disorder and shoplifters, is central to the scheme.

Replacement cameras costing £40,000, along St James Street, Manchester Road, Parker Lane and across Charter Walk, have been unveiled to Burnley Council’s executive.

And two major installations will be created along Yorkshire Street, leaving a £20,000 bill. Another £7,000 will help to cover staff salaries for the project.

Environment spokesman Winston Robinson said: “The council is working in partnership with Pendle Council and Rossendale Council to provide an effective and efficient CCTV system that reduces crime by successful convictions in court using recorded footage.

“A number of our existing cameras are nearing the end of their operational lives and (this funding) will be used to upgrade 20 existing cameras in Burnley town centre and to provide two new ones on Yorkshire Street to improve coverage.”

The new cameras will cost around £2,750 to maintain, which is set to be paid for by other savings within the Streetscene budget.

Elsewhere the borough council is set to undertake the third phase of a five-year programme to overhaul town centre car parks.

Around £100,000 is set to be spent on Finsley Gate and Standish Street car parks in the coming year.

In the past car parks in King Street, Elizabeth Street, Parker Lane and the Victoria and Padiham Town Hall sites have benefited from either resurfacing, improved lighting or upgrades to the entry gates.

Mr Robinson added: “Car parks that are attractive, well-lit, properly drained, with a good surface and layout, and are safe for all users, contribute significantly to the economy.”