A RESTORATION plan of schemes totalling £1.6million has been drawn up to ensure that Towneley Park remains the "Jewel in Burnley's Crown" when it celebrates its centenary as a public park next year.

The plan, supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, has identified more than 100 improvement proposals.

They include repairing and improving historic features, enhancing the ecological value of the park, reinstating historical planting and making the site more welcoming to visitors.

There will also be major improvements to the Barwise and Riverside car parks.

Burnley Council's executive member for leisure, Coun Barry Guttridge, said: "Towneley attracts visitors from far and wide and with the new extension being built at the hall it will become even more popular."

He added: "Nobody could have foreseen the influence of the motor car 100 years ago and we want to manage these issues to ensure that Towneley Park's historic fabric is conserved for future generations." Burnley Council hopes to attract nearly £1million from the Heritage Lottery Fund on top of what is being spent at the hall.

It is also looking for money from the Urban Parks Programme and other funding bodies as well as donations.

Coun Guttridge said a decision would be made on the bid in time for the centenary celebrations in 2002.