RADICAL plans to revamp rundown areas of Blackburn and Darwen go on public display this week.

Roadshows are being held in the three deprived communities earmarked to benefit from a share of £500 million Government cash.

And the message from council chiefs is clear - people should get involved, have their say and help shape the future of their neighbourhood.

Potential work includes demolition to create space for new homes, repair of older homes, environmental improvements, better play facilities, improvements to shops, action to tackle anti-social behaviour, and the replacement of housing with other uses such as business and community.

Five East Lancashire's councils - Blackburn with Darwen, Hyndburn, Rossendale, Burnley and Pendle - have been grouped together by the Government to form a 'Pathfinder' which will attract a share of £500million to transform rundown communities and kick-start housing markets.

Each has been asked to draw up priority areas for action and develop 'masterplans' for rejuvenating areas which will be submitted to Government to attract money.

Six areas of Blackburn have been drawn up, with three getting priority. They are Blackburn Inner North West, which includes Bank Top, Wensley Fold, Mill Hill, Griffin and Corporation Park, Blackburn Inner South East which includes Whitebirk, Intack, Audley, Queens Park and Infirmary, and Central Darwen which includes Sudell, Marsh House, Sunnyhurst and Earcroft.

Provisional plans have been drawn up for each area but now the council wants residents to give their opinion on what could be done to improve their immediate environment.

Newsletters have been sent to the various areas, urging people to take part.

Coun Mohammed Khan, head of housing at Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: "The areas receiving priority have the worst problems of low demand in the borough and the poorest housing conditions.

"We want to make sure that what we propose is what the public want. We will feedback our final proposals in October."

So far the Pathfinder scheme has secured around £6million from the Government and this has been split between the five authorities.

ROADSHOWS: THE TIMES AND PLACES

Inner South East: Today from 2pm to 7pm at Ivy Street Community Centre

Inner North West Area: August 27 with a bus travelling around the area: Devonport Rd/Whitehead St (11am), Belle Vue St (noon), Rawstorne St (1pm), Stonyhurst Rd (2pm), George St West (3pm), Selbourne St (4pm), Addison Close (5pm-7pm).

August 28: St Philip's St (noon), Dickinson Close (1pm), Hancock Street (2pm), Norman St (3pm), Lansdowne St (4pm), Higson Street (5pm-7pm)

Central Darwen Area: August 18 from 2pm until 7pm at Darwen Community Centre, and August 19 from 2pm until 7pm at Derwent Hall.