RESIDENTS in one of Hyndburn's most deprived wards have been invited to view a preliminary plan for future developments in that area.

For two years there have been talks regarding houses in the Lonsdale Street area of Accrington but no action has been taken and now 25 per cent of the houses are derelict.

Last month residents and property owners were given a glimmer of hope when Housing Minister Lord Charles Falconer visited the borough and toured the area.

He was invited by MPs to see for himself the extent of the repair bill for the areas ageing private housing stock and promised an "across the board" look at the problems.

During his visit Lord Falconer was shown areas of Lonsdale Street where a number of derelict houses have been gutted by squatters.

These now attract gangs of youths who set fire to rubbish and cause a nuisance for residents.

A plan has now been drawn up by Triangle Architects, who are employed by Space Housing, to redevelop the Lonsdale Street area but consultations will be held with residents and property owners before any funding can be established.

Two meetings have been set for next week when a presentation will be made for the latest developments ideas which include a new health centre. Julian Hickinbottom, urban renewal manager, said: "There has been a decline in the area for some years and one of the problems is the excess of houses, of which there are currently between 1,600 and 2,000."

"We have now compiled a plan which is theoretically quite possible. This incorporates a health centre on the site and replacement housing.

"But we want residents to come to us with feedback and we will then put the ideas together to come up with what is practically possible.

"It is a long process but we need to know what is coming back from the people before we put in for the funding."

Residents from Lonsdale Street, Rutland Street, Pearl Street, Newark Street and part of Blackburn Road can attend the sessions at The Hyndburn Stable, Russia Street, Accrington either on Tuesday between 6pm and 9pm of or Thursday between 10am and 1pm.