AN URGENT meeting has been called to discuss claims that a housing developer has let down residents in Darwen by leaving a housing estate "unfinished and untidy."

Coun Frank Connor, chairman of Blackburn with Darwen Council's planning sub committee is investigating what Blackthorn Homes has done to clean up the Spring Meadows estate in Pole Lane.

A meeting between councillors and residents in the area brought the complaints against the Appley Bridge based builders to light.

Coun Connor said: "Blackthorn have entered into a formal legal agreement with the council but residents are saying they have left the site unfinished and untidy."

For legal reasons the issue will be discussed in private at the end of the planning sub committee meeting on Thursday.

But Coun Connor said: "I would rather we discussed this important matter in full view of the public but I have been advised that because we are discussing legal tactics we should go into closed session.

"In the meantime, I want residents to know that the council continues to take their plight very seriously and will do all it can within the law to make sure Blackthorn honours its obligations.

"I am hopeful that Blackthorn will see sense and will carry out the required work instead of paying out legal costs, which would be considerable."

Bosses at Blackthorn Homes have made no comment about the situation.

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