A RUN DOWN old-people's home which has blighted the lives of nearby residents for years looks set to be redeveloped.

People living near Shadsworth House, Dunoon Drive, Blackburn, say the building is attracting drug users, arsonists and vandals and is devaluing their homes.

But the owner, a property developer based in the North East, is in talks with Blackburn with Darwen Council over redevelopment plans.

Shadsworth House was shut in 1999 when 19 residents were forced out of the council-owned home. It re-opened six months later as temporary accommodation for refugees.

Shadsworth Councillor Tony Humphrys, said: "We have been in touch with the owners and we understand that they have now hired a security firm in Blackburn to make the building safe. Negotiations are going through to redevelop Shadsworth House although what it will be it is too early to say."

Gary Shaw, 33, whose family live directly opposite the empty building, said it was causing an endless stream of problems.

Gary said: "It just attracts the youngsters who get in. It's a target for them. The police and fire brigade have been up here many times. We have put our house on the market and everyone who comes asks what is happening with the building.

"When we say we don't know they say they're not interested. It has badly affected the asking price."

Gary, who tells his three children, aged eight to 13, not to go near the building.

He said: "It's a good move if somebody does redevelop it but who's going to pay three-quarters of a million pounds to restore it? That's why I'm still a bit sceptical."

His wife Katherine, 33, added: "It's clearly a death trap."

Another neighbour, retired slipper factory worker Sally Watson, 80, said: "I think there's drugs and all sorts going on in there. It's such a shame. It was the best home in the area and the old people were so contented."