PLANS to bulldoze 156 houses in Burnley at a cost of £6.6million under the Elevate scheme are set to move a step closer tonight.

Burnley Council's executive is recommended to agree "in principle" the demolition of the earmarked properties when it meets.

The clearance plans are part of the East Lancashire housing market renewal programme - the huge housing revamp called Elevate.

To tackle housing problems in inner Burnley, more than 220 homes are set to be bulldozed at a cost of nearly £10m and a further 240 refurbished with £15million of Elevate funding.

The houses set for discussion tonight are among those homes originally identified to be pulled down in south west Burnley and Burnley Wood.

They include 32 properties on Crowther Street, 20 on Branch Road, 12 on Burton Street, 16 on Clough Street, 15 on Hargher Street, 25 on Pollard Street, 18 on Perth Street and 28 on Southey Street.

Of the 156 houses, 82 are vacant.

Residents have been reassured that they will be properly consulted.

A report to the executive seeks approval to carry out internal property surveys and formally consult all interested parties.

Before the clearance areas are declared and compulsory purchase orders made, the results of the consultation will go back to a further meeting of the executive.

Owners of the properties will be able to negotiate with the council for compensation.

Council leader Stuart Caddy said: "These areas are suffering from high levels of vacant and unfit properties.

"It is important to address this issue, not only to improve the surrounding environment for residents, but also to reduce the potential for crime and anti-social behaviour in vacant properties."

The Council's Elevate co-ordinator Michael Wellock said: "We are now working with Elevate to identify a developer who will work alongside the Council, and other agencies, to develop the area."