RESIDENTS living near proposed flats for homeless youngsters are continuing the fight against the development, despite the go-ahead being given to the scheme.

Objectors say they will do all they can to stop the development on land at Junction Street in the Spa Mill area of Burnley.

Police were forced to disperse more than 100 angry protesters after controversial plans for flats for homeless youngsters were given the green light by councillors earlier this month.

Council bosses were forced to call in officers after residents refused to leave the town hall following the decision.

Plans for the flats in Whittlefield with Ightenhill were passed, despite heavy opposition from residents.

More than 300 people living near the proposed site have signed a petition setting out their concerns.

They say that, despite the planning permission, they will carry on fighting the plans.

Leaflets have been distributed to residents living in the area around the flats and a meeting to discuss what to do is to be held in the near future.

Resident Irene Brown, said: "People are very angry and upset at the decision as there is a genuine fear that the flats will have an effect on our area.

"We are just concerned about our community and the impact of this development."

She said residents would try to persuade the developers, West Pennine Housing Association, to withdraw their proposals.

The scheme by the West Pennine Housing Association and the Stepping Stone Project is for 12 one bedroom flats for young people aged between 16 and 24.

Patrick O'Brien, of Stepping Stone, said the development would not be a hostel but would provide accommodation for homeless youngsters for up to two years.

He said there had been no reports of crime at another similar project in the town.