GOING, going, gone! Three blocks of empty flats were reduced to rubble in just seconds -- ending three decades of history.

Elizabeth House, Victoria House and Alexander House have stood in Queen's Park, Blackburn, for 30 years but have been demolished to make way for new housing.

Crowds gathered in the nearby park on Sunday to watch the 20,000 tonne buildings come crashing to the ground as the Blackburn skyline changed forever. And most of those watching seemed glad to see an end to the 270 flats.

Florrie Talbot, 73, of nearby Queen's Road, said: "I've lived here for 28 years and it's good they are going. When they were built they were very nice places to live but recently there have been more and more problems with crime.

"It's time they came down."

Christine Tabiner, 46, of Borrowdale Avenue, who has lived in Queen's Park for 20 years said: "It's quite sentimental seeing them come down, but they are a bit of an eyesore so I'm not that upset to see the back of them."

Ward councillor Salim Mullah added: "I think most people are glad to see them go because there have been problems with them and people really didn't want to live in them any more."

Residents from the nearby area were evacuated to St George's Hall in Blackburn before the demolition, though many returned to watch from a special viewing area in Queen's Park.

Planning for the demolition has been going on since September last year after the Northwest Development Agency gave a grant of £968,500 to develop housing and recreation facilities on the site.

Council leader Bill Taylor said: "The demolition of these flats is a result of months of hard work and preparation but is only the start of a process to regenerate the entire area.

"We are working with the local people to create a stronger and safer community.

"Linked to this demolition and redevelopment are plans to help boost the economy, creating new jobs and opportunities for local people."

Coun Mohammed Khan, executive member for Housing and Neighbourhood Services said: "The demolition has been meticulously planned by the council, consultants, demolition contractors, police and other services."

Last year two high rise blocks in Mill Hill were flattened and flats in the Larkhill area of Blackburn are currently being demolished.

But because of their close proximity to a near by health centre and church, they are being taken down piece by piece.

The only remaining complex of high rise flats in Blackburn is in the Daisyfield area of town. They have also been transformed into old people's homes.