AROUND 15,000 homes across Hyndburn will be demolished as part of a £200million transformation of rundown communities in the borough.

The Elevate East Lancashire scheme is looking to rebuild housing in the most depressed regions of Accrington, Church, Oswaldtwistle and Clayton-le-Moors.

The money will go towards the compulsory purchase of people's homes, although some publicly-owned houses will be included in the planned demolition as well.

The 15-year plan recently given the go-ahead by John Prescott the Deputy Prime Minister, will see £1billion spent across East Lancashire.

The council said the investment will create new jobs building the houses and, as the area is gradually rejuvenated, it will attract new firms triggering jobs in other sectors.

Nigel Rix, of Hyndburn First, the borough's regeneration body, said the residents will be consulted and the first action plan will be prepared in partnership with them over the next 12 months.

Coun Jean Battle, acting leader of Hyndburn Borough Council, said: "Elevate is improving life for communities across Hyndburn and beyond.

"The Government has now identified the key focus area for intervention where investment is needed and will have the most impact. We are already talking with private investors who are keen to add value by redeveloping cleared sites.

"This is a major boost for neighbourhoods across Hyndburn. But we must remain realistic. Change will come, but it will not be a quick fix."

Mr Rix said: "We are all very positive about the plan and that it will rejuvenate the housing market and bring in jobs. The 15,000 homes will be demolished in one large focus area and this will include large parts of the terraced housing areas of Accrington, Church, Oswaldtwistle and Clayton-le-Moors. We already have a compulsory purchase up and running in West Accrington called Project Phoenix and we've some very positive feedback from residents about that."