RESIDENTS of the Whitefield district of Nelson are being asked what is good and bad about their area, and what they would like to see in the future.

Five days of in-depth discussions about the area's future - led by the Prince's Foundation for the Built Environment - are under way in Nelson.

And many people have already spoken of the community spirit in Whitefield and their fears that it could be lost through redevelopment.

Hargreaves Street resident Mohammed Iqbal said: "I've lived in Nelson almost all my life and it's taken 35 years to acquire five houses where we can live together as a family.

"If you ask my wife what's bad about our house she will write an essay but if you ask what's good about she will say 'I'm happy, I've got my neighbours here, my friends are here. I can leave my door open and visitors come in'.

"She can walk out on to Every Street and all the shops are there; Pendle Council offices are there so I can collar people if I want to; the town centre is near; the schools are near and there is a park to take the kids to. There are endless good things about Whitefield." But others, who were concerned about drug dealing and prostitution in back streets, said that white and Asian youngsters did not go to school together and criticised out-of-date drainage systems.

They also said work to spruce up the front of houses in Lomeshaye Road was only cosmetic - it did not tackle structural problems such as damp.

And there was criticism that the Enquiry by Design project, which aims to bring everyone involved in the area together to thrash out a long-term solution, had not gone far enough with efforts to get in touch with residents.

Resident Javed Khan said: "These people in here are only a small section of Whitefield.

"It's about getting out on the street, knocking on doors and carrying out a house-to-house survey. That's not happened before.

"It's not happened with the Area Development Framework and I don't think it is happening with Enquiry by Design.

"All this about sustainable communities - if those plans aren't owned by the whole community they are not realistic.

"I've nothing against what's happening but if you want to rejuvenate Whitefield and put the heart back into it come out and talk to people."

Prince's Foundation senior design director Paul Murrain said people were welcome to drop in to discussions taking place throughout the week.

Mr Murrain said: "If there is anything you think should be included in the future of Whitefield you must tell us. Come and look at what we are doing by all means." Enquiry by Design is taking place at the Palatine Club until Friday. There will be another public session at the Silverman Hall on Friday at 7pm.