RESIDENTS want answers after learning that axed regeneration schemes could turn communities into “boarded-up ghettos”.

The future of Accrington’s Blackburn Road and Woodnook areas hang in the balance with Regenerate Pennine Lancashire schemes at an end.

MP Graham Jones said private investors could complete rebuilding in Blackburn Road but has “no hope” for “disaster zones” in the Woodnook area.

Hyndburn Council leader Peter Britcliffe however is confident the council can successfully bid for money from the smaller funding pot now availaible nationally.

In Woodnook, Royds, Booth and Augusta Streets are filled with boarded properties next to occupied homes.

Brenda Radcliffe, chairman of Woodnook Residents' Community Association, said: “I don’t see how they can leave residents with derelict properties to the left and right. Residents want answers, now”

Some streets off Blackburn Road have been refurbished with others like Steiner and Frederick Street desolate.

Ongoing building work will be completed but the future of untouched clearance sites is uncertain.”

Michelle Robson, 43, at Blackburn Road’s Filling Station cafe, said: “If they can’t rebuild you’re just left with a ghost town.

“On Blackburn Road you’ll have nice new houses on one side and a derelict site on the other”.

MP Graham Jones says Hyndburn Council at least own Blackburn Road properties but that there is no cash left to buy out landlords in Woodnook.

Graham Jones said: “People feel they are living in boarded-up ghettos. Where the council own the land they will be quids in, but what hope is there for Woodnook?”

Leader of the council Peter Britcliffe said: “We have a very credible bid for more funding.

Accrington is recognised as having significant housing needs.”