A BURNLEY family is opposing plans to transform rundown housing by refusing to move out of their homes.

The Sharif family said they are happy living on Abel Street and there is no need to bulldoze their terraced houses.

The three properties are earmarked for demolition as part of the multi-million pound East Lancashire housing market renewal programme, Elevate.

More than 220 homes are set to be bulldozed at a cost of nearly £10m and a further 240 refurbished with £15m of Elevate funding.

But the Sharif family said they are prepared to fight their case all the way to stay in the houses they have owned for 20 years.

There are eight members of the family living on the street. Ammer Sharif, his wife Shasita and baby Elayh live in one property with Ammer's mum Janet Bibi, sister Khalida and little brother Asim living next door. Ammer's brother Abid and wife Rashida and their children Zakariya and Mohammad live further up the road.

Ammer's father bought the houses and left them to his family when he died 15 years ago.

Ammer, 26, said the family fear they will be split up if forced to leave and love living in the area, being close to the mosque, school and shops that they frequent.

He said: "We are really upset and angry. We don't want to move out of this area because basically it's a good block. It would split us up. We are a very close family and it would affect us in every way.

I will fight them all the way. No one can kick you out of your own home."

The family is also upset that they have been offered just £25,000 for each house.

Burnley Council, which is administering the Elevate programme, said it is giving plenty of support to people who will have to move from their homes.

Leader Coun Stuart Caddy said: "The council is acutely aware of the stress and upheaval the threat of clearance poses for families and individuals.

"We employ staff to help people through the process and support them in finding alternative accommodation."

Burnley Council's executive committee is to discuss the clearance programme for the Abel Street area tonight.