A HOUSING company has reassured pensioners in Burnley Wood who feared they would be split up when their sheltered accommodation is demolished.

Residents of Gerald Court were concerned the new bungalows to replace their homes, earmarked in the Elevate Housing Market Renewal programme, would not be built close together.

They raised concerns with developers Calico, formerly Burnley and Padiham Community Housing, but were reassured the 40 new homes would be in blocks of 10, including communal space, and not far apart.

Alberta Duckworth, 68, who has lived in Gerald Court for almost five years, said: "We thought they were going to break up the community. We have become like a family and we didn't want to be parted."

But she said at a recent meeting with Calico they now felt reassured it would not happen.

She added: "There has been some give and take on both sides and we are now happy that they will be in blocks of 10, which will be quite close together."

A spokesman for Calico said that two residents were part of the working group that chose the architect to design the new bungalows. He said they would also hold regular meetings with other residents at Gerald Court to ensure that they are kept informed.

Work is expected to start next November and should be completed by October 2006.