A CRISIS-HIT area of Burnley could be rejuvenated by becoming a commuter base following the completion of the M65 extension, according to a community leader.

The claim from Coun Carole Barber came after councillors met residents of the Central area to discuss problems caused by boarded-up and run-down housing, even though the Albert Street-Leyland Road district has recently undergone a £10 million renewal programme.

The community meeting was held at the town's 110 Club where Coun Barber expressed disappointment that Burnley Police did not send officers to listen to residents' worries.

She said: "The completion of the M65 motorway means places like Blackburn and Manchester are within easy reach.

"This should be a desirable area for commuters but there are too many houses lying empty.

"Radical ideas like traffic calming, sealing off roads and giving people gardens should be explored. We should be exploiting the potential of the area.

"One answer is for central government to tighten legislation and put pressure on the landlords.

"If Burnley Council was able to buy the empty houses, they could be improved and put on the market.

"But some landlords don't seem to want to let the houses and others are not careful enough when selecting tenants.

"The residents want things doing now but we cannot wave a magic wand. These things take time."

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