THE number of asylum-seekers in Blackburn has fallen below an agreed level for the first time in more than six months, new figures published today reveal.

According to figures released to Blackburn with Darwen Council by the National Asylum Support Service, there are 666 asylum seekers living in a variety of accommodation throughout the borough.

It is the first time since the summer that the figure has dropped below 700 -- the figure agreed between the council and government based on one asylum seeker per 200 of the population.

A row broke out between political parties during the summer when it was revealed that the number of asylum-seekers was nearly 800, even though no extra funding was being provided to the council.

This prompted council bosses to write to Home Secretary David Blunkett demanding that no more be sent until the figure dropped below 700.

But in the time it took for Mr Blunkett to sanction the action, the number of asylum seekers had peaked at 896.

Now it has dropped after some of the asylum-seekers were told they could not stay in the country and were deported.

George Campling, director of rights, advice and entitlement at the council, said: "There are 679 asylum-seekers in Blackburn with Darwen which is a reduction on the previous figure.

"These asylum-seekers live in a variety of basically-furnished rented properties throughout the borough."

The figures only include people seeking asylum in the country, not those already given refugee status.

Rossendale and Darwen MP Janet Anderson, along with Blackburn MP and Foreign Secretary Jack Straw, were enlisted by the council to help sort out the problem.

Mrs Anderson said today: "I have received a letter from the council thanking us for helping them. Of course, the borough has to do its fair share to help but it is important that it does not carry an unfair amount."

Conservative councillor John Williams said: "If these figures are to be believed, then it is good news.

"But I don't think the council would have done anything about it if we hadn't raised this issue.

"And I think most people would say that common sense and just looking around the borough shows we still have more than 700."