MULTI-MILLION pound work has begun to transform a former ‘eyesore’ mill site into 56 homes.

Housing company Calico has started the groundwork on the former Perseverance Mill site in Padiham.

Around £6million will be spent on the Albion Road site with contributions from Homes and Communities Agency and Burnley Council.

Work will be carried out by maintenance and construction group Ring Stones and is likely to take 18 months to complete.

Councillors and residents had campaigned for several years to get rubble and debris cleaned up from the area.

Catherine Forrest, of the Perseverance Area Residents Group, said the work was thoroughly needed.

She said: “It is absolutely fantastic the work has now started.

“The site cannot look any worse than it does now.

“It has looked like an eyesore for so long.

“Everyone is looking forward to the new houses being built and for the change.”

Ring Stones are expected to create a number of apprenticeships and construction jobs as a result of the development.

The properties will be a mix of houses, bungalows and apartments, all available to rent.

Wendy Malone, Calico’s group head of development, said: “We’re really pleased to start work on this exciting development and meet the demands of the area.

“Residents told us that they welcome the new development at a recent consultation event, which they believe will be a vast improvement to the eyesore that is currently on the site.

“Delivering high quality, affordable homes for local people, and the jobs that come with this, will always be a priority for Calico and Ring Stones, and Perseverance Mill will deliver on both fronts.”

The site was derelict for more than 10 years before the housing plans were submitted.

Mick Cartledge, chief operating officer for the council, said: “We were pleased to make a contribution to this scheme to help make it a reality. We would like to thank Calico for their vision and commitment to delivering this housing development which will help to transform this neighbourhood.”