CONCERNED Blackburn residents living next to an enormous pile of building rubble nicknamed “Mount Everest” will be able to put their concerns to a public meeting today.

Developer David Wilson homes began work on the site of the former Blackburn Royal Infirmary last year, having obtained planning permission to build 188 homes, but work ground to a halt in March due to lack of funding and the downturn in the housing market.

The mountain of debris has attracted criticism from residents, who say it is dominating the views from their homes.

Safety fears have also been expressed, with some people reporting seeing children entering the site and sliding down the rubble.

Blackburn MP Jack Straw will face residents’ questions at Friday’s meeting, to be held at Ivy Street Community Centre, starting at 6.30pm.

Police and senior council representatives will also be in attendance.