A LEADING figure from English Heritage is set to visit Burnley to see first hand the multi-million pound plans to develop the historic Weavers' Triangle.

Chief Executive Dr Simon Thurley will also announce the appointment of two new specialist advisors who will offer heritage and design expertise when he visits the town next week.

And he will reveal a new masterplan for the Weaver's Triangle, an area by the Leeds and Liverpool Canal that was once at the heart of Burnley's textile industry.

Under the £260 million revolution plans it is intended to restore the triangle's links with the town centre by improving pedestrian access to the canal, prompting further investment in the centre.

They will see the area transformed into a business and education centre as well as a leisure and tourism destination.

Funding for the ambitious scheme has come from various sources including £1.95m from the Heritage Lottery Fund and £320,000 from council coffers.

A spokesman for English Heritage said: "Dr Thurley will announce the appoint-ment of two new specialist advisers offering heritage and design expertise.

"At the same time, a new masterplan for Weaver's Triangle will be unveiled.The plan sets out the future for an area which has suffered long-term decline."