THREE empty homes which have proved a magnet for vandals and arsonists on a well-kept housing estate are to be demolished.

Burnley Borough Council is planning to pull down the properties in Dean Street and Cliff Street, Padiham, after regular complaints from residents in the area.

The authority has now agreed to demolish the houses under a compulsory clearance order, after the owners refused to renovate or sell them on. Neighbours today said the announcement was welcome news for the area.

Mrs Irene Law, of 18 Cliff Street, said: "It's very good news because those houses have been a problem for a long time. All the houses round here have been done up really nicely and they are decent people living in them, it's just those three.

"They're hasn't been anyone living in them for a long time but people have been able to get in and vandalise them and cause problems in the area." Another resident, who asked not to be named, said: "I can't wait until they go.

"There has been all sorts living in them over the last few months and they have been a menace in the area, pinching cars and all sorts. They can't knock them down soon enough." Mr David Burns, of Dean Street, said: "It makes sense to get rid of them because they are not being used and kids have been getting in and vandalising them so they are in a right state. It's very welcome news." Coun Donald Hall, Burnley Borough Council's Executive member for Regeneration, said: "The houses in Cliff Street and Dean Street have all been vacant for several years and are considered unfit for human habitation.

"The properties have been fire damaged and a source for vandalism which has led to complaints from local residents.

"The owners have shown no inclination to renovate or sell them leaving the council with little option other than to demolish them."

The council's executive will be asked at their meeting on March 11 to accept a report recommending demolition of the three houses.