MPS today moved to reassure people living in poor houses across East Lancashire that more Government help was on the way.

The move came after the Government handed out another £4million to the East Lancashire Pathfinder project, which was set up to sort out the area's chronic housing problems.

Despite first being announced more than a year ago, with a pledge that East Lancashire would share £500million over ten years with eight other target areas, so far only £8million has come to East Lancashire.

Around £4million was given last year to enable plans to be drawn up for what will be done where, and the next £4million will help progress those plans and launch minor projects.

Each of five councils - Blackburn with Darwen, Hyndburn, Pendle, Rossendale and Burnley - has targeted areas which will benefit from a range of measures, including demolition, rebuilding, refurbishment, environmental improvements and better facilities.

Hyndburn MP Greg Pope said today: "I can understand why people might feel frustrated and I sympathise with that because there are some people living in a very poor housing.

"But the promise has been made that we will get a large share which will make a real difference.

"That's more than we've had for decades and I am confident that, with the plans being drawn up, we'll see a real change."

Pendle MP Gordon Prentice said: "This extra £4million is welcome because it means that the work already being done won't slow down.

"A lot is being done to make sure plans which transform areas blighted for so long actually happens."

The money will also be used for small projects which improve quality of life for people in areas which will benefit from the cash.

Mr Prentice added: "The money from the exchequer will be used to bring in a lot more private money which should transform East Lancashire."

It is envisaged it could take up to a decade and £1billion to complete the work needed. So far, the Government has committed itself to helping for the next three years.