A PLAN to protect Towneley Park's status as the jewel in Burnley's crown goes before councillors tonight (Thursday).

Burnley council wants to safeguard the park's future by bringing in a set of guidelines to prevent unsightly developments and ease traffic problems.

The Towneley Park management plan incorporates comments from the public, who have been asked for their opinions about the park over the past few years.

They were worried about traffic, dogs, wildlife, footpaths and toilet facilities, but most people wanted improved rather than new facilities.

The plan says: "Towneley is frequently referred to as the jewel in Burnley's crown, which reflects the pride with which local people view Towneley, and there is considerable interest in the park and how it is managed.

"The setting of Towneley Park as a link between town and country makes a special contribution to its importance."

The plan advises councillors to refuse permission for any developments likely to spoil the open look of the park, and there are policies to protect trees and listed buildings like the hall, the cafe and the craft museum.

The plan also says: "Any development which results in the generation of significant additional vehicular traffic movements will be resisted."

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