THESE pictures show the changing face of Towneley Hall's historic stables - as they undergo a major transformation aimed at breathing new life into the Burnley attraction.

The Grade II listed building, built more than 200 years ago in 1790 as a stables and coachhouse, was converted into a cafe back in 1951.

This week work began on a five-month project to regenerate the Old Stables Cafe once more.

As the latest phase in the £3.2million restoration of Burnley's Towneley Park, the existing verandah will be enclosed to create an attractive glass-fronted seating area, with large glass doors which can be folded back in warm weather.

Some windows in the existing building will be replaced by more appropriate traditional-designed frames.

And other parts of the building will be upgraded as far as possible to modern standards.

The area around the café will also improved, including the re-laying of cobbles to provide easy disabled access to the café and additional seating areas outside.

It is hoped the new enclosed area will also stop youths hanging around the site and improve security.

Coun Roger Frost, Burnley Council's executive member for leisure and culture, said: "The folding glass doors mean that, weather permitting, they can be opened up and people sitting in that part of the cafe will be able to enjoy that outdoor feel under the protection of a new roof.

"Enclosing the currently open verandah will also improve the security of the cafe.

"And it will also deter youths from using it as a night-time meeting place."

The hall was the home of the Towneley family for more than 500 years.

But it was sold to the former Burnley Corporation in 1901 when the family could not keep up the maintenance.

The refurbishment programme is being paid for by Burnley Council, the Heritage Lottery Fund and other funding bodies.

Historic features, such as the ornamental gardens, are to be overhauled and other facilities improved in a bid to boost visitor numbers. Coun Frost added: "The improvements to the Old Stables Cafe, along with other work under the restoration programme, will make Towneley Park an even more attractive place to visit."

The cafe will remain open during the redevelopment work.