VANDALISED derelict houses and homes unfit to live in are among a terrace block of properties to be demolished.

Hyndburn councillors at a housing services committee meeting agreed that odd numbered homes between 1 and 39 Lower Antley Street, Accrington, and 1 Porter Street, Accrington, should be pulled down.

Included in the block are seven derelict, vacant houses which have caused nearby residents numerous problems.

They have been inhabited by squatters, drug abusers and gangs of children who have set the buildings on fire.

They were said to be responsible for rubbish left strewn around the area which attracted rats.

The council carried out a survey on these and the other homes in the block and the results were that 18 out of the 21 properties were unfit to live in.

They were all built in 1900 and many were found to be in a serious state of disrepair with dampness, inadequate lighting, heating and ventilation.

Numbers 13, 15, and 23 Lower Antley Street were not found to be unfit, but the council is seeking a compulsory purchase order so they may also be demolished.

A survey was carried out among householders to determine the best course of action and a public meeting.

No objections were raised to a possible clearance of the area.

Demolishing the homes was also said to be the best option economically. The council said it would provide or secure accommodation for people living in the homes.

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