Anger at scheme to help homeless

But residents are preparing to fight the scheme, fearing it will add to their problems in an area they claim is already rife with drug-related crime.

Proposals to turn the empty houses in Accrington into short-lease homes for those under the age of 25, many of whom will be moving out of care, were to be discussed at a Hyndburn Council cabinet meeting today.

Resident groups were hoping to have their say to prevent the unbearable burden' on their community.

The council is planning to lease out 12 of its properties acquired under the Elevate regeneration scheme to YMCA Blackburn at a peppercorn or zero rent.

The charity will then spend between £5,000 and £10,000 renovating each property before leasing them to young people on tenancies of no more than six months.

The properties in Frederick Street, Steiner Street and Portland Street,West Accrington, and Augusta Street and Booth Street, Woodnook, are currently boarded up and uninhabited.

Under the proposals they will provide supported accommoda-tion, with a warden carrying out maintenance checks, and involvement from Accrington and Rossendale College and the Job Centre.

Joan Pilkington, secretary of the West Accrington Residents' Association, said: "This area has enough social problems as it is without adding more to them.

"If the scheme is dependent on resident approval shouldn't you involve them from the start?"

Coun Tony Dobson, the council's regeneration portfolio holder, said: "The local residents' associations will have a strong say in the project.

"The YMCA has got to convince them that when they bring these young people into the area there will be no disruption."

Hyndburn only has one similar project for young people, the Hyndburn Christian Stable, Empress Street, but this can only house a maximum of 11 people.

Ian Sadler, chief executive of YMCA Blackburn, said: "These people will be on a tight lease and if there are any problems then they will be taken out of the property."