PLANS for the future of Colne were unveiled to residents at a town centre exhibition.

Dozens of people packed the Lesser Hall at the Municipal Halls, in Albert Street, to hear consultants reveal ideas for development in the area.

The plans were the result of consultation with Pendle Council and businesses as well as a series of hands-on workshops held with residents in September.

But not all the residents were pleased with what they heard and consultant Clare San Martin faced some heckling as she outlined areas where homes could be demolished.

Various possible solutions to the area's problems were included in an exhibition and consultants were on hand to note any questions or comments from residents.

The exhibition contained ideas for tackling anti-social behaviour, improving the town centre, increasing employment opportunities, improving community facilities, cleaning up the environment and increasing the range of types of housing available.

The results of the consultation will be used to create an Area Development Framework, which will be submitted to Elevate East Lancashire, that is set to bring millions of pounds of Government money into the region. Consultant Clare San Martin, from London-based John Thomas consultants - who have been employed to oversee Elevate's consultation process - presented the ideas to residents and spoke about the problems of old terraced housing.

She said: "Around Colne there is a particular type of terraced housing which many of you live in and love but obviously has its problems, as you told us at the other consultation event."

Various solutions to these problems were outlined including gating off back alleys, turning the alley space into private or communal gardens and introducing 20mph home zones to reduce traffic.

But several residents were concerned their homes could be at risk and one woman said: "I have lived in a two up two down for 25 years and never felt more looked after because I know all my neighbours."

A factsheet was available for residents concerned about losing their homes, explaining how homes would be acquired for any demolition in the final plans.

Anyone unable to attend the event yesterday can see the exhibition and fill in a questionnaire at Colne library until November 18.

A similar event about the future for Brierfield will be held at Burnley Road Baptist Chapel, from 2pm to 8pm today.