A PROJECT costing £250,000 has been unveiled to breathe new life into Clitheroe Castle and turn it into a focal point for the Ribble Valley.

And today leading councillors urged the public: "Tell us what you want us to do."

At least £246,000 has been set aside by the council to restore the castle, which dates from Norman times, and the grounds around it. Further money could come from other sources in the form of grants.

Plans for the site were presented to members of Ribble Valley's community committee last night, who were told the castle had been neglected for 30 years.

Councillors praised council officers for the proposals, which included the controversial chopping down of 27 trees earlier this year despite a wave of public opposition.

No more trees will be chopped under the proposals, with committee chairman Harry Backhouse revealing he had received more than 100 favourable comments about the controversial decision to chop down the 27 trees.

He said: "People have said how wonderful it is to see the castle so clearly.

"In my opinion it is a case of 'if you have got it, flaunt it."

Improvements will be made to the Castle keep to make access to the site easier, while drainage in the castle grounds will also be improved.

A new woodland will be developed in the eastern part of the castle grounds, with sycamore trees being replaced with native beech and oak trees.

The castle's rose garden will be restored and access to it improved, while the disused bowling green will be removed to provide more recreation space.

Existing walls and steps will be brought up to scratch, while plans have been put in place to create junior soccer pitches on the site.

A butterfly garden and 'quiet area' are also proposed in a bid to encourage wildlife to live in the castle grounds.

And CCTV cameras will also be placed throughout the attraction to deter vandals, who have cost the council thousands in damage in recent years. Better, energy-efficient lighting will also be installed.

Improvements will also be made to the castle's museum.

Detailed plans are now on display in the council's offices in Clitheroe, while councillors have asked for them also to be displayed in libraries.