RESIDENTS' appeals for their homes to be saved have fallen on deaf ears after councillors approved plans to demolish 34 homes in Colne.

Last night councillors on the Colne Committee approved the revised recommendations which form part of the Government's Housing Market Renewal Initiative, Elevate.

The new recommendations follow consultation with residents about original plans which earmarked 67 homes in Bright Street and Mason Street for the bulldozers.

However, after strong opposition the new proposals are:

The demolition of all 34 houses in Bright Street

To create gardens and off road parking in Mason Street and New Market Street

Acquire empty and poor private rented houses in Mason Street and New Market Street for refurbishment or sale to owner occupiers and displaced residents

Investigate the closure of back street to the even numbers side of Mason Street.

But John Barclay, a resident in Bright Street, told the meeting the plans would divide people.

He said: "The plans will cause conflict for the streets. I propose all the properties outlined are renovated to the same standard so everyone has an equal footing."

Councillor Alan Davies said the decisions taken would mould the future of the town for the next 15 years.

He said: "I think the proposals are the right balance for Colne as a whole and we can make some significant improvements."

A final decision on the recommendations will be made by the council's executive.

RESIDENTS' appeals for their homes to be saved have fallen on deaf ears after councillors approved plans to demolish 34 homes in Colne.

Last night councillors on the Colne Committee approved the recommendations which form part of the Government's Housing Market Renewal Initiative, Elevate.

New recommendations follow consultation with residents about original plans which earmarked 67 homes in Bright Street and Mason Street for demolition.

However, after strong opposition the new proposals are:

The demolition of all 34 houses in Bright Street

To create gardens and off road parking in Mason Street and New Market Street

Acquire empty and poor private rented houses in Mason Street and New Market Street for refurbishment or sale to owner occupiers and displaced residents

Investigate the closure of back street to the even numbers side of Mason Street.

But John Barclay, of Bright Street, told the meeting: "The plans will cause conflict for the streets. I propose all the properties outlined are renovated to the same standard so everyone has an equal footing."

Councillor Alan Davies said decisions taken would mould the future of the town for the next 15 years.

He said: "I think the proposals are the right balance for Colne and we can make some significant improvements."

A final decision on the recommendations will be made by the council's executive.