CONCERNS have been raised over the future of two major housing developments in Darwen.

McInerney Homes, which has the Belgrave Heights site near the town centre and also the former Vernon Carus mill site in Hoddlesden, went into administration last week.

Work started on the planned 135-home Belgrave Heights in 2006, but dozens of properties are still to be completed.

In October, the company submitted plans for 87 homes in Hodd-lesden having owned the land for several years, but nothing has been started.

Sunnyhurst councillor Dave Smith said: “It’s a blow to the town.

"The work at Belgrave Heights has been on hold for a bit, but there are people who have lived there for a few years and they remain in the middle of a building site.

“It’s also a worry for people who have put down a deposit on homes.

"Hopefully the company will be sold on as a going concern and work will be finished off.”

Katy Broomhead, of administrators KPMG, confirmed that work on both sites had ceased.

She said: “McInerney had 22 sites. Ten of those were immediately transferred over to Ludgate Hill Developments Ltd and work will be completed by Miller Homes.

“Both Darwen developments did not fall into that category and are now being assessed to see what stage they are at and what work needs to be done.

“Although there are no guarantees or a time frame available, it is hoped that they too will be eventually transferred over to Ludgate Hill and Miller Homes.”

Administrators said the economic downturn has had “a severe detrimental impact” on McInerney’s cashflow.

The Wigan-based company has 160 staff nationwide. 14 staff were made redundant last week.