A £1.6million scheme to restore Burnley's premier park to its 17th century glory is expected to get backing from council bosses tonight.

They are set to authorise a bid for £1million to the Heritage Lottery Fund for a major improvement programme for the 400-acre Towneley Park.

The bid contains more than 100 proposals to restore historic features, car parks, bridges and shelters, improve visitor facilities and ensure the park is safe for the future, says a report to the council's executive.

The five-year programme could begin next year -- providing the project wins Lottery funding and attracts sufficient match-funding from partners such as Lancashire county council.

Burnley council is pencilled in to contribute the lion's share of cash backing, outside the grant support, a total of nearly £400,000 towards the project.

The scheme involves not only plans to improve the park, but also a commitment to develop its management in the future and that would include the appointments of a head gardener and park supervisor for Towneley.

The project has already won widespread public backing with more than 7,500 people signing a petition in support of a bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund.

The park improvements would tie in with a £1.5million programme of major refurbishment to Towneley Hall itself -- the work, also supported by major Lottery funding and now well under way.