DEPUTY Prime Minister John Prescott says demolishing hundreds of homes is the only way to develop sustainable communities in East Lancashire

Mr Prescott's comments, made on a weekend trip to East Lancashire, come as scores of homeowners are protesting against their houses being torn down as part of the Elevate renewal programme.

The deputy Prime Minister, speaking exclusively to the Evening Telegraph during the visit to Rawtenstall, said demolition and rebuilding was the only way forward for the area.

Homes have been earmarked for demolition as part of the Elevate scheme which will see more than £12million spent this year.

Other areas of the borough are also in line for regeneration as part of the 15-year programme aimed at boosting the housing market in deprived areas.

Mr Prescott said: "A lot of the time, there is nothing you can do with these properties apart from demolish them.

"Many have no kitchen or bathroom and some will certainly have to come down.

"We want to develop sustainable communities and many of the houses in places like Burnley were not built with communities in mind. They are intensive build for workers and there are no green spaces.

"By rebuilding areas we can create green and open spaces and develop communities. Elevate is much more than just a housing programme, it is about regenerating areas.

"Where there are houses that are beyond repair it is not enough just to refurbish them, we have to start afresh."

Residents have challenged Mr Prescott's views and said refurbishing houses was better than demolition.

Brian Barritt, 66, whose Dean Street house is threatened with demolition, said: "Mr Prescott should come and talk to people and listen to their views.

"People living in houses like mine are happy to spend money on them and make them look good but they are not being given the chance.

"People have been living in these areas for years and there is a good sense of community. People want to stop where they are and not move away.

"If I am forced out of my home, I'll move away from Burnley and others will do the same. That won't make for better communities."