RESIDENTS accused councillors of using them as 'political footballs' following a decision to issue compulsory purchase orders on their homes.

Hyndburn councillors voted to issue the orders for 34 houses in west Accrington at an extraordinary council meeting last night.

The meeting was called to try to move the second stage of the Phoenix regeneration project forward.

But those living in homes on Holland Street, Lower Antley Street and Blackburn Road are furious that it has taken over two years to make the final decision.

And their outrage spilled over as Labour councillors abstained from voting on the proposals.

Joan Pilkington, of the West Accrington Residents' Association, attended the meeting with a banner reading 'We are not political footballs.' She said: "It's disgraceful that it has taken so long to make a decision, and even more so that some councillors refused to vote on the issue.

"They should not try to score political points when they are dealing with people's lives."

Mrs Pilkington added: "It's a farce. Many of these properties are boarded up and the roofs are falling through.

"Regeneration has to take place. The decision should have been made years ago instead of keeping residents in limbo."

Labour councillors abstained from voting as a sign of criticism of the delays.

Plans were originally put infront of the cabinet in November 2005.

Earlier this month members decided to take the full council's opinions on the CPO plans into consideration and the extraordinary meeting was called.

The cabinet then passed the proposals.