COUNCILLORS are becoming increasingly concerned about the delay in a multi-million pound affordable-housing development following numerous cases of fires and fly tipping at the “eyesore” site.

An investigation has been launched after a blaze broke out at the derelict Elizabeth House in Sudellside Street, Darwen, on Friday following a number of fly-tipping incidents this year.

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Demolition of the building was due to begin last month but work has been put back by the Together Housing Association.

Town councillor Paul Browne, representative for the Sudell ward, said he was frustrated by the delay and was keen to see the end of the trouble.

He said: “This eyesore of a building should have been knocked down a long time ago and I want to see it done, then at least we can try to stop some of this trouble.

“It’s a shocking looking building and it really is a blot on the landscape.

“I would like to see it gone as soon as possible as it is now a target for people to cause trouble at the moment.”

The 46-home development is set to include older people’s bungalows and three-bedroom family homes.

Residents have been calling for the work to start since the plan was first announced in 2012.

The work is set to finish next year but Together Housing Association has not specified a date as to when the demolition will now begin, despite saying in May that “it is now ready to be developed”.

Cllr Jane Oates, Blackburn with Darwen Council representative for Sudell, said the delay is very inconvenient but is hopeful that demolition will begin soon.

She said: “I know I have had a few phone calls about this site and it is extremely inconvenient that demolition has not yet started.

“I am very hopeful that things will start moving soon as it just seems to be a very slow process.”

Helen Martland, Head of Project Management, said: “We’re in discussions with our partners to begin the demolition process and this will happen as soon as possible.

“We’ve been made aware of a number of instances where young people have put themselves and others at risk by breaching the security around the site and causing vandalism.

“We would urge people to stay out of the site to ensure people stay safe and the site remains secure.”