THREE months after publication of Lord Clarke's report into last summer's Burnley disturbances plenty is happening.

Leading figures from business, community organisations, faith groups, public service managers and councillors have been talking hard about the borough's problems and how they can move forward together.

We have seen visits by government ministers to look at the area's needs and particularly the state of so much Victorian housing.

Its improvement now depends on an East Lancashire wide bid of £670million for a ten year programme following a visit by housing minister Lord Falconer.

Burnley Action Partnership is producing a neighbourhood renewal strategy later this year and the North West Development Agency and Learning and Skills Council have been involved in meetings to focus on regeneration and jobs.

Next month Lancashire County Council says action plans to tackle race and cultural issues at primary school level will be presented along with a review of the system of allocating school places. More cash is being put into youth work and more ethnic minority youth workers are planned.

Meanwhile, vitally, leading local politicians say they believe attitudes are changing and there are encouraging signs that people really are working together.

"I think a lot of things have happened which have opened people's eyes about the disadvantages of conflict and disharmony among different community groups," says veteran councillor and deputy mayor Coun Rafique Malik.

As the Duke of York pub, which was firebombed by rioters, re-opens for business after being renovated prospects for the future look to have improved.

But the talking must continue and finance must be forthcoming if the progress made so far is to be sustained - for all our sakes.