A MULTI-MILLION pound housing scheme has officially opened.

Padiham's Perseverance Mill site, described as the worst eyesore in the borough, had sat derelict for 15 years but has now been transformed into 56 new homes, bungalows and apartments.

Around £6 million was invested into the development by The Calico Group, with £250,000 contributed by Burnley Council and contributions from the Homes and Communities Agency.

It also saw the restoration of the culvert, with support from the Environment Agency, to protect local wildlife.

Burnley Council leader Mark Townsend said: "This site has been a blight on the area for many years, attracting fly-tipping and anti-social behaviour and I'm sure the people of Padiham are as pleased as I am to see an end to what had been described as the worst eyesore in the borough."

Officially opening the site, the Calico Group chief executive, Anthony Duerden, added: "What matters is the enormous impact that this will have, not only for the new residents who get to call this home, but the local community who have seen the site transformed into a place they can be proud of.”

Families have started moving in and are expected to be in for Christmas and throughout the lettings process priority was given to Padiham residents.

A significant number of apprenticeship opportunities and local construction jobs were created as a result of the development, Calico bosses have said. The work was carried out by Ring Stones Maintenance and Construction.