YOUNGSTERS in Burnley are helping to launch the first phase of 'teenzones' as part of a £300,000 scheme.

The 'teenzone initiative', managed by Burnley Council, aims to improve facilities for young people across the borough after the issue of juveniles was identified in the task force report published three months' ago.

Work begins this week to upgrade ball courts in Abel Street, Daneshouse and Every Street in Trinity.

The project is aimed at 11 to 20 year olds and will mean that new facilities are created at Piccadilly Gardens, Sunny Clough on the Griffin estate, Healey Wood and Burnley Wood.

Improvements will see everything from skateboard ramps to youth shelters and agility equipment.

Council parks services manager Simon Goff said: "The council is committed to providing more facilities for teenagers and we know there is the need -- the citizen's panel have told us and so has the task force report.

"The 'teenzones' are a unique solution for Burnley and have the potential to make a real difference to the lives of young people around the borough."

The council is also aiming to appoint a youth ranger to work across the town to develop 'youth leagues', working with local people, youth workers and community wardens as part of the project.

Money for the 'teenzones' comes from Burnley Council, European funding, the neighbourhood renewal fund and private developers.

The initiative is managed by Burnley Council's park services working closely with Lancashire County Council Youth Services, Groundwork East Lancashire, the police, local residents and young people.

A citizen's panel survey in 1999 revealed that 57 per cent of people thought that provision for 11 to 20 year olds in the borough was poor and the task force recommendations identified the need to improve facilities for teenagers.

Youngsters from the Trinity area will tomorrowinspect plans to improve their facilities at the Every Street ball court.