THE future of a long-serving residents' association was still in doubt today following a public meeting.

The West Accrington Residents' Association met last night to hear from the director of Hyndburn First, the borough's regeneration wing, on what was being done to improve the area.

Association secretary Joan Pilkington revealed that the group could be breaking up if the turnout was not good enough. She had earlier claimed people were losing interest in the group because nothing was being done by Hyndburn Council to boost the area.

And despite a packed hall at the Christian Barn on Russia Street, Mrs Pilkington said the meeting did not go well, and closure was still on the cards.

She said: "Until people see anything happening they won't come to meetings. A lot of people last night had a vested interest in what was going on. But then they go away with nothing.

"I have no hope that numbers will increase from last night. We will hold the next meeting and see what happens. What we have to do is gauge whether people are still interested."

The meeting grew heated as Mr Rix defended Hyndburn First's policies in the area.

In a presentation he set out the future of West Accrington under the Phoenix Project, a multi-million-pound scheme to buy property in the area, demolish it and rebuild houses.

But residents were frustrated at the lack of progress with the project. One angry local said: "You're just dangling a carrot in front of us and then nothing happens. We don't want to listen to all this because it doesn't happen."

But Mr Rix explained that plans for Project Phoenix would be with the council in August, and before planning bosses by October. He also revealed that tenders have been invited for four areas that have been earmarked for demolition.

He told the meeting: "It's a myth to say nothing has happened. You might be frustrated that more hasn't happened and I agree with you. But there are legal processes in this country."

Mr Rix will be meeting the association again on June 10.