CONSULTANTS hired to draw up plans for regeneration in Pendle have come under fire from a senior councillor for their "ludicrous" ideas.

One company employed by Pendle Council to come up with ways of improving housing in Nelson even suggested knocking down a post office which residents are trying to save from closure.

LibDem councillor Tony Greaves told Pendle's executive that plans being drawn up by Nathaniel Lichfield and Partners could anger hundreds of Nelson residents and should go back to the drawing board.

He said: "We have to stop these stupid proposals coming to us from consultants. I'm not impressed with how they're working.

"Frankly, some of their options are ludicrous."

Plans to revamp housing in Brierfield and Colne -- part of a multi-million pound scheme under the leadership of the Elevate regeneration partnership -- have angered many residents.

But Coun Greaves warned hundreds more would be upset by proposals being suggested for Nelson, which would involve demolishing around 800 homes. He has called on the council's executive to speak to the consultants before the proposals are finalised and a decision has to be taken.

He added: "What I propose is that we meet them, ask them to apply a little dose of common sense and tell them to go away and not come back with stupid proposals."

One idea suggested by Nathaniel Lichfield and Partners is to knock down an area of Railway Street that includes a sub post office.

Coun Greaves said: "That is a sub post office this council is proposing to save."

Coun Greaves said the consultants had come from outside the area with little knowledge of Pendle, and were putting forward ideas with little, or no, input from councillors or council officers.

Speaking after the executive meeting, he said: "They are proposing to knock down houses in Nelson which are on the market for £50,000."

He added: "One of the problems is that once recommendations are put forward they are regarded by Elevate as being what has to happen."

The executive is now looking at setting up meetings with consultancies and Elevate chiefs.