A CANALSIDE site has been chosen for a regeneration scheme which will see refurbishments to ‘one of the worst streets in the area’, as well as 125 new homes.

Hyndburn Council is well advanced with work in Spring Street where more than 100 homes will benefit from external refurbishment works as part of a housing renewal scheme.

The site was once dubbed ‘East Lancashire’s worst street’ due to its poor conditions.

Work is also under way to provide new homes to the area, with Gleeson Homes’ new 75 property residential development, Parker Place, progressing well.

On the opposite side of the canal, planning permission was recently given for 50 new homes on the former derelict Bridgefield and Britannia Mill sites.

Cllr Clare Cleary, Cabinet Member for Housing and Regeneration on Hyndburn Council, said the area will be ‘transformed’ as part of the work.

She said: “Our growth plans are really transforming the Rishton canalside and surrounding area which will have wider benefits for the local economy.

“It is a really important that we support the regeneration of areas where we can and at the same time encourage the development of new, modern homes to both retain and attract new householders to the town.”

The plans have led to praise for the area as an ‘up-and-coming’ place to be from councillors.

The improvements to Spring Street come after plans were drawn up by the council to overhaul the street.

In February last year Hyndburn Council leader Cllr Miles Parkinson announced that the street in Rishton would receive £500,000 to offer housing and employment opportunities.

At the peak of its problems in 2010, the street was subject to 66 arson attacks in just one year.

Cllr Ken Moss, who represents Rishton on Hyndburn Council, said the plans will provide ‘a welcome boost’ to the area.

Cllr Moss said: “Rishton canalside is the up and coming place to be.

“I’m delighted that our plans for this part of Rishton are really having an impact and the prospect of 125 new homes is providing a welcome boost to the town.”

Proposals have also been submitted to Hyndburn Council to build 43 homes on the site of the old Albert Mill in Rishton to further improve the area.

A decision will be made on the plans by the council's planning committee later this year.