A DEVELOPER has been appointed to mastermind the long-awaited regeneration of a "neglected" gateway to Hyndburn.

Hyndburn Council has announced that Chorley-based Enza Property Group is looking to introduce new homes, restaurants, shops and offices to the site at the border of Church and Oswaldtwistle, next to the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.

But residents have still not been given a time frame for improvements at the 'gateway' area around Blackburn Road, Church.

The site includes the former Commercial Hotel and Hargreaves' warehouse, as well as the Europlast mill.

In recent years it has become rundown and many of the properties standing on the site are now vacant.

The proposals could bring mulit-million pound investments to the areas as companies are encouraged to set up their businesses next to the canal.

Hyndburn Council has struggled to rejuvenate the area since proposals were drawn up in 2004 because many of the properties are privately owned.

Planning proposals have also been hindered as the vacant Hargreaves warehouse and the nearby Bridge Street canal bridge are Grade II listed structures.

Residents will now be consulted on Enza Property Group's initial proposals, which will then be refined to create a finalised scheme of redevelopment. However, this cannot take place until talks with current landowners have taken place.

Coun Tony Dobson, who has the council's regeneration portfolio, said: "Enza Property Group has put forward innovative and exciting proposals that will rejuvenate this importan- t gateway at the junction of Oswaldtwistle, Church and Accrington.

"For many years the council has struggled to find a cost effective solution to the derelict properties on Blackburn Road and Market Street. The recent demolition of the social housing on Walmsley Close, through the Elevate Housing Market Renewal Programme, has released much needed land.

Coun Peter Britcliffe, council leader, said: "This is a wonderful opportunity for Church, Oswaldtwistle, Accrington and the whole of Hyndburn."