THE arts in Burnley are set for major improvements following a wide-ranging review into the cultural services provided by the council.

Encouraging more people to use the facilities, improving booking arrangements and attracting more touring shows and artists have all been highlighted as areas where the council could do better.

The authority has outlined a 22-point plan to improve its arts service over the next five years following the Best Value Review.

Among the areas earmarked for improvement are:

Developing a new strategy to set out the overall aims of arts provision.

Improving bar and catering services at arts venues, such as the Mechanics Theatre.

Reviewing prices and hiring policy to encourage more touring groups to stage productions in the town.

Improving booking facilities, including the council website.

Improving staffing at Mechanics and Arts Outreach programmes.

The review covered all the council's arts venues including the Mechanics Theatre and Padiham Town Hall.

Karen Bradford, head of leisure at the borough council, said: "The arts in Burnley have a bright future.

"The review has confirmed that we are providing high-quality, safe facilities and events to our customers.

"It has also helped us identify key areas where we need to improve to ensure that we continue to be successful."

Coun Barry Guttridge, executive member for leisure added: "I welcome the key findings of the arts service review.

"They reflect the hard work being done and indicate a positive future for the provision of the arts in Burnley."