BURNLEY people are getting ready to have their say on plans to make their town the envy of the region as part of a masterplan for the town.

Car parking, preserving Burnley's history and better public transport are among the key challenges picked out by a team of consultants led by the Building Design Partnership.

The team is preparing a plan that will look at the whole of Burnley town centre to influence where new developments can happen and how existing facilities can be improved.

The plan looks at how it can improve its retail, business, leisure, and education facilities, as well as its transport infrastructure such as railway stations. It also looks at car parking and the improving public streets and spaces.

The scheme has been drawn up following public consultation in January and February and identifies seven objectives for the future of the town centre.

l Supporting retail growth
l Stimulating business growth
l New education facilities
l Promoting local distinctiveness
l Town centre living
l Improving accessibility
l Establishing cultural, creative and leisure activities

The town centre planning team will be available in Burnley town centre with colour plans of the different options on Friday and Saturday from 10am-4pm near to Red Lion public house, St James Street, Burnley.

Francis Glare, Director of BDP said: "The Area Action Plan is an excellent opportunity to help deliver a fantastic Burnley town centre that is the envy of other towns and that is the focus of renewed pride for residents and the wider community of the North West."

Colin Hill, head of Burnley Market, said: "Improving facilities for Burnley is important to both its existing and its potential new visitors. The masterplanning exercise is an important piece of the jigsaw to ensure we excite the interest of future investors in the town whilst retaining the confidence of existing businesses, including those trading at Burnley Market to grow and develop within Burnley"

The consultation material will also be made available at the Contact Centre, Parker Lane, for five weeks and at www.burnley.gov.uk.