STONEYHOLME has had its fair share of negative publicity.

The area, which forms part of the Daneshouse with Stoneyholme ward, was classed as being in the five per cent most deprived in the UK just 10 years ago.

And it was also in the midst of the 2001 riots, which saw 200 white and Asian youths involved in a series of overnight attacks on pubs, shops and restaurants.

But after considerable investment, things are turning around and the area has seen a number of significant improvements.

Stoneyholme stretches from the main shopping strip in the town centre along Princess Way out to farmland past the M65 which takes in Crow Wood Fitness and Leisure Centre.

The most prominent development in recent years in the area is the £81m Burnley College and University of Central Lancashire campus which opened in September 2009.

The Princess Way site includes the £11m University of Central Lancashire (UCLan),campus, which is shared with Burnley College, which also has a sixth-form centre and a skills and adult centre.

Plans for a five-acre Knowledge Park on land around Princess Way are also under way. It is hoped the he joint venture between the borough council, Burnley College and UCLan will create 250 to 400 jobs.

Earlier this year, Crow Wood Fitness and Leisure Centre opened its £4m Woodland Spa, which has hydrotherapy and relaxation pools, a heated outdoor pool, jacuzzis, steam rooms and saunas.

Meanwhile, Charter Walk shopping centre is being redeveloped at a cost of £3m. Stores are being expanded and the eastern side of Market Square torn down to create multi-storey units.

Councillor Shah Hussain represents Daneshouse with Stoneyholme and said: ”Stoneyholme is a great place to live, work and study especially with current improvements.

“We have a fantastic community and some great facilities including a community centre, nature reserve, and a new mosque is being built. At the moment, there are new houses being built in Oswald Street, which will be a great place to bring up a family.

“The town centre is within easy walking distance and has a great shops. There is something for everyone.

“The new Burnley College and UCLan campus is a huge asset to people, not just in Stoneyholme, but the rest of the borough and beyond .

“It provides top class education and a huge range of courses, which is helping to raise people’s aspirations.

“The Knowledge Park will further add to the this. I think the future is looking very bright for Stoneyholme.”