IMPROVEMENTS to Thursby Gardens are planned in a £65,000 programme of environmental works in the Daneshouse and Stoneyholme renewal area of Burnley.

Members of the council's executive committee will be asked tonight to approve the 2001/2 programme.

It includes £30,000, of which £15,000 has come from the nearby Sainsbury's development, to carry out works at Thursby Gardens.

As well as improvements to the main entrance it involves substantial drainage works to prevent annual flooding problems, new pathway, lighting, seating and new planting.

Other schemes in the programme are £12,000 for new fencing and support for the retaining wall at Fisher Gardens; £21,000 for extensive work to the play area and surrounding open spaces at Trout Street, corner of Hebrew Road/Daneshouse Road and Ardwick Street; and £2,000 to continue the "squeaky clean" litter/waste prevention project.

A number of reserve schemes are proposed in case of delay to the projects in the chosen programme or if additional funding is found.

The programme has been drawn up from local residents' suggestions.