PLANS for a £65,000 bird's eye photographic survey of the whole of Lancashire are ready for take-off.

Lancashire County Council is proposing to carry out the aerial survey this summer and is asking each of the 14 districts in the county to chip in towards the bill.

Today Hyndburn development services committee is being recommended to approve a £1,575 contribution from Hyndburn Council.

The total cost of the survey is estimated at between £60,000 and £65,000, with the county council putting up £22,600, and contributions from districts based on their size.

The county has also secured sponsorship from outside organisations like North West Water.

The last comprehensive aerial photograph survey of Hyndburn was made ten years ago.

The countywide approach represents extremely good value for money as it would cost considerably more if the borough council wanted to carry out a survey of Hyndburn alone, says a report to councillors.

Aerial photographs are invaluable to the planning authority as they are a 'snapshot in time' of land uses and buildings within the borough, and can be vital evidence at local public inquiries or in appeal cases.

The photos are also used in publicity and exhibition material produced by the borough council.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.