A RESIDENT who has campaigned for more than 20 years to improve his run-down street has told council bosses he could not understand their plans to tear it down.

He is one of many people who want more of a say on radical blueprints for Burnley's future that could see areas of the town demolished to make space for new housing.

The plans were discussed by councillors at last night's Executive meeting.

Brian Barratt, 65, of Dean Street, was one of those residents who spoke as part of the council debate on the three preferred Neighbourhood Action Plans which mark the next big step in the borough's future.

Mr Barratt said he could not understand why the houses in his area should be pulled down, claiming they were all occupied.

The retired diesel fitter and chairman of the local neighbourhood watch, who bought his home in 1957, told councillors: "I can't understand the plans, Dean Street is not boarded up. How can you pull a row of houses down to build a car park when there are people living in them?

"The local community are sticking by one another because we feel we haven't been properly consulted about this and we want to stay in the area."

However council bosses said the consultation process was still ongoing. Mike Cooke, director of market and community renewal, said: "We haven't finished this process and we have to go back out into the communities to talk through issues people may have. This is not the end of the line."

Last night councillors voted to approve the three preferred options which will see almost 3,000 homes cleared. Copies of the plans will be sent to homes in the affected areas.

The Neighbourhood Action Plans set out possible changes to Burnley Wood, Daneshouse, Duke Bar and Stoneyholme and South West Burnley and include widespread house clearance, new build and open spaces.

The council will put forward plans for other areas in the future and has stressed the improvements will benefit the whole borough.

People living in the affected areas have been consulted as the council prepares to bid for a share of £500m from a government regeneration programme. More than 900 people attended a series of consultation events.

Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott announced earlier this year that nine areas in England and Wales would be able to bid for a share of the Elevate regeneration money. Burnley is one of the towns included in an East Lancashire Elevate area.

Elevate must submit its East Lancashire-wide plan to the government by December before a decision is made on how much cash Burnley is given.