SCHEMES to improve open spaces in Burnley will benefit from a planned expenditure of nearly £1m next year.

The planning and environment committee will be told tomorrow of the progress made on four schemes.

The project includes improving existing open spaces, reinstating Byerden Holme, formerly known as Linear Park, creating community woodland and reclaiming derelict land.

In 1996/7 £150,500 was spent on the projects with £19.500 awarded from the Challenge Fund.

Councillors will hear that next year investment of £915,000 is planned with £24,500 being provided by the Challenge Fund.

Last year open spaces were improved at Melrose Park, Barclay and Como Avenue area, netball posts installed at ball courts, security fencing at Netherby Street and grassing over Robinson Street. Byerden Holme received sponsorship from Nynex to create a quiet sitting area and outdoor classroom. A new play area has been built, paths resurfaced and shrubs and trees planted.

Community woodland has not progressed but derelict land has been reclaimed at Ardwick Street, Buck Street, the former Bank Hall site, the miners' club, Britannia laundry, Empress cinema, Piccadilly road.

Next year's programme will see more work at Melrose Park, improvements at Griffin and Barclay, a new play area for Piccadilly Road and planting of open space at Cromwell Street.

A summer festival will be held for the second year at Byerden Holme, the bridleway network will be expanded, fly-tipping will be targeted and a play area will be completed.

Community woodland will be planted in south west Burnley and it is hoped a grant from English Partnerships will result in seven derelict sites being reclaimed and landscaped.

Councillors will be recommended to approve the open space project, subject to finance committee approval, and authorise the head of planning to take what ever action is necessary to enable the schemes to go ahead.

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