WORK to tackle four grot spots' in Pendle have been put on the back burner after concerns were raised by regeneration agency Elevate.

Under Pendle Council's housing market renewal programme, a host of well-known eyesores will be targeted across the borough.

Eighteen separate initiatives were identified in Nelson, Colne and Brierfield, totalling £500,000 plus - but Elevate funding only totalled £250,000.

Now four schemes have been withdrawn from this year's planned works so the progra-mme can remain within budget. Officials from Elevate say renewal funding cannot be used to improve unadopted routes like Rickard Road, Moore Street and Lily Street, Nelson.

And it is doubtful whether they can pay to clean up neglected land off Colne Road, Brierfield, pay for street improvements in Hartington Street, or decontaminate land in Sutherland Street, Colne.

Progress is being made on the remaining 14 schemes, with assistance from Lancashire County Council and Groundwork Pennine Lancashire.