PLANS are being revealed as to how £12 million will be spent in rejuvenating Pendle's rundown housing.

A report by Pendle Council outlines how the authority intends to spend the cash as part of the first phase of cash from Elevate - the Government's housing renewal initiative.

It details schemes including the acquisition and demolition of 68 homes in Colne, either bulldozing, converting or refurbishing 128 dilapidated homes in Brierfield and the repair of 107 properties in Nelson.

The move comes after councillors gave their backing to proposals at a meeting of the full council after consultants spent eight months assessing housing conditions and how towns in the borough function.

Under the scheme residents forced to leave their homes could receive a £20,000 relocation grant, and the council are reassuring residents that any proposals will be subject to further consultation.

Brain Cookson, Pendle executive director for regeneration, said it was an exciting time for the borough as plans for the project had started to come together. He said residents would continue to be informed.

He said: "Regeneration projects are always pretty complex. What we want to impress on people is that everything in the project is further to public consultation.

"We are going to go out to people with these detailed plans of action.

"The £12 million is only the start but we have to spend it properly.

"This is a really good opportunity. I think we are at the dawn of something exciting and interesting, and I think the council really has to get it right this time.

Council leader Alan Davies said the correct decisions had to be made as it would have a long term impact on the area.

"It is obvious we have to get involved as a council and do this the way Pendle does things as a council," said Coun Davies. "Funding from this initiative offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make a tangible difference to ultimately improve people's quality of life through better housing and improved neighbourhoods."