PLANS to create a 120-hectare forest park in Burnley have moved a step closer.

Discussions have taken place between Burnley Council and Lancashire County Council to finalise plans for the scheme.

It is hoped the 1.2sq km park, which will start on the edge of the town centre, will come to rival similar sites in the Yorkshire Dales, Lake District and Forest of Bowland.

The scheme would see 12 separately managed sites, either owned by the county council or borough council, come together to create a tourism facility that would attract visitors from across the region.

The park would bring together current sites such as Thursby Gardens, Bank Hall and Rowley Lake.

Coun Charles Bullas, Burnley Council’s executive member for leisure and culture, said: “After lengthy discussions with Lancashire County Council, regarding access to the former Rowley tip, the overall plan for the development of the Forest Park has been drafted and a final meeting to ‘sign off’ the draft vision will take place with the county council in November.

“Costs estimates for the Forest Park are being prepared and the project vision will go to the Executive for approval.

“It is expected the Forest Park will be developed over a period of 10 years using small external grants together with local volunteers and Community Payback teams.”

The park would create 15km of cycle tracks for families, mountain bike routes, a skills and trials area and a BMX track.

Other facilities would include an adventure play area, equestrian routes, visitor centre and cafe and an outdoor grassed arena.