THIRTY four homes in an area earmarked for regeneration are set to be compulsorarily purchased after the owners refused to sell.

Hyndburn Council is keen to see work on the second stage of the Phoenix regeneration project in West Accrington begin.

More than 100 homes have already been demolished and a further 120 are set to be pulled down next year.

But after almost two years of negotiations with residents there are still 34 who are refusing to sell to the council, which is holding up the regeneration plans.

West Accrington Residents' Association has now welcomed the news that a CPO is set to be approved.

But other residents have vowed to fight the CPO. One, Peter McLaughlin, 85, of Lower Antley Street, said: "I've lived here for 60 years and it is really upsetting that I am being forced out of my home. I wish the council would renovate rather than just knock down the houses."

Another, Sajjad Mahmood, 20, of Lower Antley Street, said: "My family is not happy about moving. At the moment we'll fight a com-pulsory purchase."

Residents in the "phoenix two" area have been offered the market value of their home plus a relocation fee and a £37,500 interest free loan to move. Many have already gone.

Joan Pilkington, from the residents' association said: "To be honest most people are sick of the length of time that it is taking. While the houses are still occupied it is not clear how long the process will take."

Mark Hoyle, Hyndburn Council's head of regeneration and housing, said: "Significant clearance will allow new, high quality housing to be built.

"This will include new affordable housing to enable the residents who wish to do so to relocate."

A decision on whether a CPO will be made will take place at a meeting of Hyndburn's council tonight.