A local authority boss has praised its drive to buy up vacant and decaying properties in his borough as 'a fantastic programme'.

Burnley Council's leader Cllr Afraisiab Anwer made the comment as its executive approved starting the process of a compulsory purchase order (CPO) to acquire two more empty homes.

At its meeting on Wednesday night the senior councillors authorised CPO proceedings to buy 4 Oat Street, Padiham (vacant since March 25 2016), and 32 Hurtley Street, Burnley (vacant since September 28 2007).

The properties will be refurbished and sold.

The proceeds from the sale of the properties is recycled back into the council's Empty Homes Programme for further acquisitions and renovations.

Cllr Anwar said: "It is fantastic programme.

"It has a huge impact on streets and neighbourhoods."

A report to the meeting said: "The owners/trustees of these properties have been contacted and have either not responded at all or due to circumstances beyond their control are unable to sell the property with a view that it would be brought back in to use.

"They are long term vacant properties, being empty, in one case it is understood for some 16 years.

"Council officers have inspected the properties and verified that they are vacant, one of the properties is in serious disrepair and has recently been served notices in respect of pest control with no response.

"Without intervention by the council the properties may remain vacant, continue to deteriorate, attract anti-social behaviour, fly-tipping and arson, all of which cause fear in local residents, resulting in a declining neighbourhood."