BANK TOP has benefited from millions of pounds of Government money in recent years.

It was designated a renewal area in April 1998, and includes around 1,000 homes, mostly terrace and, like much of East Lancashire, dating back tot he early 1900s.

It had the highest level of empty homes and lowest house prices in the borough. Around 13 per cent of houses were empty and the average house price was £22,000.

So far, 347 houses have been repaired and improved at a cost of £6.7million.

The work includes the renovation of exteriors, new roofs, windows, doors, and gutters. The aim is to give the properties a further life of at least 30 years.

Another £6.7million is being sought to do up another 297 properties.

In a bid to improve the community as a whole, repairs were carried out to shops in Johnston Street, which has helped make them focal points of community life.

A total of 159 houses which were in too poor condition to repair will be demolished and replaced by new houses and open space.

Blackburn with Darwen Council bought the houses and demolition started last year with the clearance of six houses. It is expected that the remainder will be demolished over the next year.

New houses for sale and rent will replace the houses to be demolished and much needed open space.

An Urban Parks Project managed by Groundwork has helped improve landscaping. CCTV and sign and lighting improvements has been provided through Urban Park Project around the Bank Top Community Centre.

It is intended to carry out other environmental works before the renewal area finishes in 2008.

But has it been a success? So far, the number of empty houses has been reduced to eight per cent, while average house prices have risen 'substantially'.

Now work is taking place to make the roads safer. Prime Minister Tony Blair visited the area in May to see the work that had been done.

Coun Mohammed Khan, in charge of housing at the council, said: "Bank Top illustrates the way in which areas of older terraced houses in low demand can be transformed buy a range of activities; clearing the worst, improving the best and improving the environment."