A MAJOR facelift is under way for more than 150 homes and properties along a main gateway road into Haslingden.

Most householders along the Blackburn Road corridor, from the traffic lights to the John Street junction, are taking advantage of the grant scheme funded by the Action for Haslingden Partnership.

The "new look for old" scheme includes stone-blasting the frontages of the cottages and terraced houses, laying flagstones in front garden areas, installing iron railings and gates in place of the originals taken out to help the World War Two effort, repairing or rebuilding garden walls and improving steps.

It is hoped the scheme will also brighten up plots of derelict land along the corridor.

The work complements a £2 million housing improvement scheme on Blackburn Road, which is one of the oldest districts of Haslingden and was designated a renewal area by Rossendale Borough Council this year.

A council spokesman said: "The response to all the environmental and improvement schemes covering the Blackburn Road corridor area has been overwhelming."

Resident Mr Verald Riley, 77, said: "Everyone who passes notices the work that's already been done. It will be really nice when it's all finished. They are doing a good, quality job."

Mr Riley, who was on the Holland's Pies sales staff for 36 years, and his wife Mary, 72, have lived in their home for almost 40 years, and in the Blackburn Road area throughout their 47-year marriage.

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