ONE of Burnley's car parks looks set to face the bulldozers after councillors agreed in principle to demolish it.

The Executive of Burnley council last night agreed to demolish the 550-space St Peter's multi-storey car park to make way for a new health centre and a possible replacement for the Thompson Centre, which is to be bulldozed as part of a separate review of leisure provision across the borough.

The move came as part of a debate about car parking provision across the borough which has included consultations into a park and ride scheme running from outside the town centre.

It is hoped it would reduce congestion in the town, especially during busy periods such as Christmas, as well as help reduce demand on town centre parking spaces.

If the scheme was to go ahead council bosses believe it will lead to more people leaving their cars outside the centre to catch a special bus into town.

There are currently 5,000 car parking spaces - enough to meet the needs of the town but that may change over the next 20 years.

Coun Peter Kenyon, executive member for best value and resources, said: "We have to make sure there are sufficient parking spaces to preserve the vitality of the town centre and to ensue that Burnley continues to be an attractive place to work and shop."

Coun Peter Doyle urged the council to ensure there was adequate car parking provision. He said: "If we are to succeed as a town we need to have town centre parking. We do not want to see a future where Burnley becomes a ghost town because of the lack of parking."