RESIDENTS are being given the chance to choose what their new homes will look like as part of plans to rejuvenate their area.

Council bosses are currently drawing up a scheme to renovate the Infirmary area of Blackburn using cash from the Government's 10-year Elevate pathfinder scheme.

More than £100million has been earmarked for East Lancashire, with a large chunk of it going to Blackburn with Darwen.

Now residents are being asked to vote on the style and design of houses which could replace the dozens of homes being demolished.

They can choose between traditional Victorian-style square red-brick terraces and more modern airy designs built using non-traditional materials with large windows and more unusual architecture.

As well as styles of houses, residents are being asked about what facilities they would like to see.

One idea is to provide parking underground, freeing up land in front of homes for play areas and community space.

And the council expects to create some sort of 'community hub' such as a health centre, community centre, or even a school, which would be the focal point for the neighbourhood.

Canalside housing is also a possibility, as the Leeds and Liverpool runs through the middle of the development area.

Demolition and repair schemes are expected to dominate work in the Infirmary area, which has a high percentage of poor-standard terraced houses which pre-date 1919.

Work has already begun to tear down housing in Mosley Street, Abraham Street and Hall Street.

And the former Warwick and Bailey engineering factory in Hall Street is earmarked for demolition soon.

Blackburn with Darwen Council is also considering replacing homes in William Street and Alaska Street with a radical new design, although no compulsory purchase orders have yet been served on residents.

Various schemes are being drawn up for the area, including possible new uses for the hospital site once all services switch to the new £100million hospital at Queen's Park in 2006.

Mohammed Khan, executive member for housing at Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: "We have held a series of meetings and shown people in the area the sort of ideas which are floating around.

"We don't intend to go into a community and tell people what is going to happen.

"We want to work with the community so there is a long-term benefit to this scheme.

"We are also talking to young people, because they are people probably most likely to live with the results for the longest period of time."

Coun Maureen Bateson, Ewood ward councillor, said: "People are very excited about these proposals."