A SENIOR councillor has slammed the Elevate regeneration project, claiming it has failed to deliver on its promises.

Councillor David Foster, chairman of the Nelson Committee, called on Pendle Council to continue its fight against purchase assistance loans (PALs), which have been introduced to replace grants to cover the cost of moving.

Under the scheme, instead of grants to pay for temporary accommodation and the cost of a more expensive new home, residents will be loaned up to £30,000.

The money does not have to be repaid until the replacement house is sold - but it would mean residents could be left with just half their property value if they sell their new house.

Residents have complained that they will not be able to get the cash until April next year, despite initial plans to start the applications process earlier this year.

Elevate has blamed Pendle for the delay, after the council refused to give up the original grants plan.

But Coun Foster said the council should continue to protest, despite having been forced to accept the scheme.

He said: "This is another example of unelected people making decisions that affect the people of Pendle, and it's quite obvious that they are moving the goalposts at every corner.

"We were promised millions upon millions and we have had nothing but cutback after cutback. This time they are cutting funding to a deprived area, and let's not forget that."

Council leader Alan Davies said: "Every other council in Lancashire has agreed with Elevate to change to the PALs - we were the only ones saying no.

"It was only when it became absolutely clear that Pendle would get nothing if we did not agree to go with them.

"It's the best the council can get but it's not our preferred strategy by any stretch of the imagination.

"We have been fighting our corner and I can assure you we are the least popular people in the Elevate meetings."