A GLASS-WALLED hostel for the homeless in Darwen is a step closer with plans to start building as early as next month.

And neighbours who had campaigned to stop the Twin Valley Homes Scheme said they felt defeated that plans were starting to develop.

The £2.3million 30-bed apartment development set to open in early 2008 will replace the "outdated" Police Street hostel.

But protesters say the hostel would increase crime levels and be a threat to near by homes and businesses.

Liz McKeown, 36, of Sunnymere Drive, who owns Tagg Wallcoverings, Wood Street, said: "We don't know who will end up living in it.

"Who wants something like this on their doorsteps? We have fought to stop it but there is nothing we can do now things have started to happen.

"I would like to see how the crime rate goes up in five years."

Twin Valley Homes was granted permission to build the hostel on a triangle of land between James Street and Bury Street.

Plans were approved, but Twin Valley was told the design would have to be amended to be more symp-athetic to surrounding build-ings. Plans include two accommodation blocks, three-storeys high. The modern design features mainly glass walls.

Some protesters said the building would be too modern, create parking problems, and would not suit surroundings.

Leasing of the land to the housing association will be the first step towards the hostel for single homeless people.

Conditions of the lease will be discussed at a meeting of the council's executive board tonight at the town hall.

Sayyed Osman, deputy director for regeneration, housing and neighbourhoods at Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: "We have been working with the department of communities and local government on a project to help those who are homeless.

"The facility will provide a home for the homeless and is expected to accept 31 people. We are looking at an innovative fresh approach for this project.

"If the lease of the land is agreed we are looking to start work in January 2007 and hope to open in February 2008."