RESIDENTS from one of Blackburn's biggest housing estates will be asked to play an important role in the future of their area.

A series of consultation exercises will be held over the redevelopment of the the Roman Road estate.

New houses will be built in the area and the shopping area will receive a major facelift.

A bus yesterday toured the estate so that residents could look at plans and give their response.

The redevelopment scheme is a joint project between Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, residents and developer Keepmoat Partnership.

Already a number of working groups made up of local people have been set up to look at social and economic issues as well as examining what physical improvements could be made to the estate.

Coun Dorothy Walsh, chairman of the Roman Road strategy group said: "We want to give everybody on the estate the opportunity to air their views.

"The intention is to transform the area and improve the quality of life for all residents.

"The plan can be changed according to their wishes and views.

"The council is totally committed to giving residents a real say in the future of their neighbourhood and all comments are welcome."

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