THE charity arch and Christmas crib in Burnley town centre may become a cappuccino bar and pavement cafe.

Plans are also being considered to redesign the nearby fountain which is regarded as a potential accident hazard.

The proposals for improvements to the pedestrianised area of the town centre are to be considered by the council executive today.

The cafe project would provide extra rental income for the council.

A joint report by planning officer David Brown and town centre manager Lisa Durkin says the basic structure of the charity arch including the Rotary Club clock can be retained but changes need to be made to convert it into a retail unit.

A local "quality" operator is said to be interested in using it as a specialist cappuccino bar and pavement cafe.

Outside tables and chairs would overlook the nearby water feature which is also to be redesigned.

The present large stones fountain is described as attracting litter, slippery with the potential for accidents, and as a nuisance to pedestrians.

The charity arch is rarely used other than to to display posters and to provide a home for the Christmas crib.

It has never been used for the original intended purpose of allowing charities to collect funds or to display information.