A MAJOR £4million Lottery bid to restore one of Burnley's premier parks to its former glory is expected to be given the nod tonight.

One hundred years after Towneley Park first opened to the public the council are seeking to breathe new life into the 400-acre attraction - one of the most popular in East Lancashire.

The bid contains more than 100 proposals to restore historic features, as well as car parks, bridges and shelters, and improved visitor facilities such as toilets and signs.

Access to the park for pedestrians would also be improved and a shuttle-bus would run from the town's bus station to the park and hall on busy days and during school holidays.

Council bosses estimate the cost of the five-year plan would be £4.2million with 75 per cent of funding available from the Heritage Lottery Fund and the remainder funded by Burnley Council and Lancashire County Council.

The improvement project was originally proposed three years ago when a bid of £1.6million was submitted with the backing of more than 7,500 people who signed a petition.

However, following a visit from an expert from the Heritage Lottery Fund the council was advised to carry out a full review of proposals.

The bid will go before the council's executive for approval before being submitted.