WORK on demolishing more than 220 houses in Burnley could start in the summer.

But Burnley Council first has to agree compensation packages for the people in Burnley Wood, South West Burnley, and Stoneyholme, Daneshouse and Duke Bar.

Their homes have been included in the clearance proposals to create land for new housing, employment, open spaces and community buildings.

The decision on which houses would be pulled down in the three areas to benefit from the first wave of funding was made by the council's executive committee on Tuesday. Letters are now being sent to residents to inform them that their home has been included in the clearance programme.

Mike Waite, the council officer responsible for community engagement and cohesion, said they would write again setting out in more detail the legal impact of the decision and the support the council will be offering to residents.

All the homes due to be demolished will be individually valued and a cash offer will be made to the owner.

There will also be relocation grants and other forms of support, including money for fees and expenses involved in moving.

Residents will also be able to get information and advice on relocating and help identify suitable housing for them.

Mr Waite said: "People will be able to oppose the plans to demolish their home but we do ask people to listen to what we are offering in terms of support before they decide how they feel about the decision.

"We recognise that when the council makes a decision like this it creates a lot of questions, anxiety and concerns.

"We are very conscious of that and we are committed to treating people carefully and with respect through this process."

The £15million that Burnley has been granted to improve the borough's housing market has to be spent by 2006 and the council is hoping that demolition work can start in the summer.

But it still depends on the length of time it takes to reach agreements with residents.

Detailed plans covering which homes in the Colne Road gateway and the Accrington Road area will be earmarked for the facelift will go before the executive committee on Tuesday, May 18.