PLANS to rejuvenate a deprived area of Nelson are getting bogged down in bureaucracy, civic leaders have claimed.

Members of Pendle Council's housing market renewal committee said they were increasingly frustrated that two years after 160 houses in Whitefield were saved from demolition nothing had happened to improve the area.

They claim the number of outside bodies they have to negotiate with is slowing the process down and residents are getting increasingly disillusioned.

They also accused Elevate, the body overseeing the housing market renewal scheme in East Lancashire, of 'dragging its heels'.

Top councillors vented their frustration as a draft report on the viability of plans drawn up by the Prince's Foundation for the Built Environment last November, showed the scheme would work in principle.

Committee chairman Coun Tony Greaves said: "There is a certain amount of frustration among councillors and a number of things which are holding back things we have planned.

"Despite a great deal of willingness on the part of the council, we are experiencing delays simply because there are so many other groups involved."

Executive Director for Regeneration Brian Cookson said: "Everyone is frustrated at the amount of time spend."

Councillors also launched a broadside at Elevate over delays in advertising for staff to work on the projects in Whitefield.

Coun David Whipp said: "I'm dismayed that Elevate seem to be dragging their heels on this.

"To find Elevate are quibbling about various staffing costs is perhaps indicative of Elevate's way of working. It really isn't good enough."