A MAJOR project to improve York's parks and open land will go ahead with £75,000 of council cash.

City of York Council's leisure spokesman Alan Jones accepted plans for work on the Esplanade, the Knavesmire and the city's churchyards and burial grounds.

The Esplanade, which runs between Lendal and Scarborough Bridges, will have flagstones relaid and the path beside the railings at the Museum Gardens resurfaced.

Work at the Knavesmire includes improving vehicle access and changing room facilities, while loose gravestones and memorials will be secured in the 21 closed churchyards looked after by the council.

Updated: 11:20 Wednesday, April 10, 2002