NEW communication guidelines aimed at keeping the public better informed about the work of the council are expected to be given the seal of approval next week.

Burnley Borough Council has drawn up a blueprint to guide the way it drives forward its communication goals in response to recommendations in the Burnley Task Force Report.

The executive will be asked on June 17 to approve the Corporate Communications Strategy, which outlines the council's approach to sharing information and consulting with residents, communicating with its staff, elected members and partners, and working to enhance Burnley's public image locally and further afield.

Head of communications Gerry Crookes said: "The council is committed to ensuring sound communications are at the heart of everything we do. Everyone in Burnley, no matter how hard they are to reach, has a right to know what the council offers and how to access services.

"But an equally important part of our work is to spread good news about the borough locally and further afield and to drive home the message that Burnley is a good place to live, work and visit and has a great deal to be proud of."

The communications unit was set up in response to the Task Force report after the disturbances in the town in June 2002.

The strategy will help the council meet the targets of its leadership strategic objective, which aims to achieve an improved image for Burnley as a whole and better communications about the council.

People will be kept informed about the services the council offers, how it reaches decisions and how it spends money.

It also aims to ensure that people's views are listened to and that customers' comments are dealt with promptly by the council.

This supports the objective of being a better organisation delivering high performing services.

The report highlights a number of activities undertaken so far such as the publication of a pilot borough-wide council newspaper, Burnley Now! and a series of face-to-face roadshows .