AN area of Burnley plagued by vandals and arsonists is set to benefit from a major housing scheme.

Around 150 homes will be built in the Accrington Road area of town by developer Keepmoat.

Council bosses are now using compulsory purchase orders to take hold of the last few properties they need to clear before work can begin.

They include a row of shops and houses that were severely damaged by fire in September last year.

Steve Tilly, from the housing and regeneration team at Burnley Council, said: “The proposed redevelopment of this site will deliver a wider variety of housing in terms of size, type and tenure in order to create a more balanced housing market and help develop a more mixed, inclusive and sustainable community.

“The properties have attracted anti-social behaviour, including arson, and their acquisition and clearance will improve the local environment.

“The new housing development will increase the local population and should help maintain the viability of local shops and schools.”

A planning application for the development has already been approved by the council.

Mr Tilly said: “The acquisition and clearance of the land and properties is required to facilitate the redevelopment of the site for new housing in line with the proposal within the council’s development brief for South West Burnley and the borough’s housing regeneration plan.

“The council is looking to demolish some of the houses it has already taken possession off in the area to try and reduce the threat of vandalism and anti-social behaviour.”