PLANS to re-vamp one of Blackburn’s main eyesores have taken a step closer, according to local residents.

Signs have been placed around the former site of the Bear Hotel, Cravens Brow, Fernhurst, highlighting the fact that developers are taking over.

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Cllr Jacqueline Slater welcomed the plans after the site had sat derelict for several years.

She said: “Finally after all this time the ball is going to get rolling once again.

“From fires and travellers living there to youths breaking in and causing havoc it’s fantastic to get a plan of action.

“It is what has been needed for a long time, especially for the residents who have had to endure this eyesore such a long time. Any kind of plan can only be a good thing.”

Signs placed by Wainhomes state that Red House Gardens will be a small development of33 three- and four-bedroom homes built on the land.

The former hotel was once a landmark on the A666 between Darwen and Ewood but after it closed the building was set on fire leaving a derelict site.

The former hotel was popular for functions and, once it was ruined, other planning applications, including one for it to be turned into a mental health unit, were rejected.

Denise Gee, Fernhurst councillor, said that she also welcomes the new plans.

She said: “This has been going on for too long and residents have had to put up with a constant mess.

“Although nothing has been set in stone and we aren’t quite there yet, this certainly looks like a positive step forward for the benefit of the community.”