THE number of homes repossessed in East Lancashire reduced slightly in the first quarter of 2010.

Government figures show 205 houses were taken from owners by county courts, 5.6 per cent fewer than during the first quarter of 2009.

However, in some parts of East Lancashire there was an increase in repossessions.

In Burnley, 45 were taken back by the town's county court during January to March this year, a 10 per cent hike on the first three months of 2009.

And in Hyndburn, the 40 properties repossessed was a 15 per cent increase on last year.

Elsewhere, 50 homes were repossessed in Blackburn and Darwen (20 per cent down), 10 in Ribble Valley (no 2009 figure available), 30 in Pendle (30 per cent down) and 30 in Rossendale (three per cent down).

In England and Wales, 16 per cent fewer homes were repossessed in the first quarter of 2010 compared with the same period last year.

The statistics were supplied by the Ministry of Justice.