MORE than 600 people have turned out to have their say on a vital plan setting out how Nelson and its neighbourhoods should shape up over the next 15 years.

Their ideas on how Pendle Council and its partners should tackle problems such as poor housing, empty properties, a poor economy, and anti-social behaviour -- which have blighted some areas of Nelson -- were aired at the event in the Civic Theatre.

Pendle council leader, Alan Davies, said: "Residents' views will influence a vital plan to rejuvenate Nelson and breathe new life into neighbourhoods.

"We are totally committed to making Nelson a place which we can all be proud of, and key decisions will be made early in the new year.

"Once the council has deliberated, there will be much more local consultation and a chance for people to influence the final decision about their local area."

Executive director of regeneration, Brian Cookson, said: "The event gave local people the chance to see a draft plan for the whole of Nelson for the first time and to give their views on the proposals.

"The plan has come out of nearly a year's consultation with thousands of local people and with key organisations which have a keen interest in Nelson's future."

Residents who attended the event included Mrs Jean Parker, 76, who has lived in the same house in Chapelhouse Road all her life.

She said: "Some of the streets are terrible and I'm open to ideas on making this a more decent place to live."

Dee Wells, of Manor Street, said: "It is a worrying time, but the area does need help. Once the area is regenerated it should be much better."

The exhibition and consultation is part of Nelson's Area Development Framework -- plans for the town's development over the next 15 years.

This is the next stage towards making bids to Elevate, the organisation in East Lancashire responsible for the Government's pathfinder programme to regenerate the housing market.