A project which will improve the walking trails in a popular woodland will start this month.

Lancashire County Council and Habergham Eaves Parish Council are working in partnership with community interest company Proffitts – Investing in Communities on a project to improve Towneley Woodland in Burnley.

Planned works include upgrading path surfaces, cutting back overhanging vegetation to give clear sight lines, and tackling dead, diseased and damaged trees.

The work will also involve the installation of handrails where required, repair and replace some boundary fencing, and add some signage and seating around the site.

All the work will be a big boost for walkers who use the popular routes around the woodland.

Lancashire Telegraph:

Improvements to entrances and gateways will also make the site more welcoming and attractive for visitors.

Cllr Shaun Turner, from Lancashire County Council, said: ‘’We know visitors to Towneley Woodlands may experience a little disruption during the improvement works, and we would ask people to please take care when using the site over the next couple of months.

“Once the upgrades have been done, we are certain everyone will be extremely pleased with the changes, and we look forward to welcoming both our regular visitors and many new visitors back to this wonderful space.’’

The site will remain open for the duration of the works.

However, warning barriers will be installed around the working areas to advise visitors where the contractors are carrying out works that day.

Councillor Pat Osbaldeston, from Habergham Eaves Parish Council, said: ‘’ It’s wonderful that we’ve now raised the funds needed to deliver the Towneley Woods improvements.

"The works are needed to keep the pathways clear, safe, and accessible for everyone.

“We’d like to thank all the local residents for their support during the consultation and planning stages, and we’d particularly like to thank the main funder FCC Community Action Fund and Lancashire County Council for making this happen.

“Habergham Eaves has donated £1,000 towards a community bench and path marker for this lovely scheme.’’

The works are expected to start on Monday, November 21, and take between eight to 10 weeks to complete, weather permitting.