THE second phase of a £3.2million five-year project to restore Towneley Park is under way.

Work on a 300-year-old ditch known as a Ha Ha has begun, following on from the first phase which saw a 300-year-old pond, one of visitors' favourite spots, being repaired.

Ha Has were first used in French gardens in the 17th century and so named as visitors, surprised by the sudden drop in ground level at the edge of the boundary, called out "ah ah". When used as a boundary between parkland and garden, it stopped farm animals entering the garden, but does not interrupt the view from the house into the countryside.

By the middle of the 18th century, the sunken fences were commonplace on large country estates throughout England.

They were built in several places around Towneley during the 18th and early 19th centuries but none have remained completely unchanged.

The low wall dividing the car park from the gardens at the front of the house is all that remains of the Ha Ha after the ditch was filled in to widen the road. Now work is under way to restore this Ha Ha to its former glory by turfing the sloped outer side and facing the inside with stone.

Council head of green spaces and amenities, Simon Goff, said: "One hundred years ago the council had the foresight to purchase Towneley Park for the people of Burnley. Since then, generations of people have enjoyed visiting it and using its facilities.

"This restoration plan will ensure that Towneley Park continues to provide enjoyment to generations to come."

The overall programme is being funded by Burnley council, which owns and manages the hall and park, the Heritage Lottery Fund and other partners.

Historic features, such as the ornamental gardens, are also to be restored under the enhancement plans, and visitor facilities improved.

There will also be a refurbished playground, better signs, and improved parking.