RESIDENTS in Burnley Wood are being given the chance to say how they would like to see a children's play area improved.

Burnley Council has set money aside to refurbish Brunswick Street ball court and extend the play area on to a large clearance site next to it.

A public meeting to discuss the plans is being held at Burnley Wood One Stop Shop, in Springfield Road, on Thursday, at 6.30pm.

The council is responding to complaints raised by Burnley Wood Community Action Group (BWCAG) about the state of the play area, which is has one goal post, no lighting and a grass area that residents say is covered in dog dirt.

Brian Fenn, chairman of BWCAG, said young people in the area desperately needed better play facilities.

He said: "All we want is a simple play area in the core of Burnley Wood where parents can take their children and relax."

His calls for improvements to the Brunswick Street site were backed by a petition organised by a 12-year-old from Burnley Wood and signed by 22 other children.

Ward councillor Colette Bailey, who will be chairing Thursday's meeting, said there was money in the budget to spend on the improvements.

She said: "We want to design something that is durable and usable.

"The council's parks department has been working with local councillors and the Burnley Wood Community Action Group to put some ideas on paper.

"But these are not set in stone, the meeting is about discussing these ideas and asking residents for their ideas about what they would like and what they wouldn't like to see included in future proposals."

The meeting will also consider the impact of the Elevate housing market renewal programme in the area, which will include the neighbourhood park scheme.