THREE blocks of empty flats in Blackburn are scheduled to be blasted to earth early next year -- at a cost of more than £1million.

Councillors seem certain to approve the demolition of the Queen's Park group of flats at a meeting this week and are searching for a developer for the land, which has been earmarked for housing.

Work is due to begin on preparing the multi-storey tower blocks for demolition before the end of the month.

Council bosses today confirmed that, like the two blocks of flats in Mill Hill last year, they will be felled, with January 13 the latest date being considered.

A tender for some £1.6million has been recommended for approval by council officers, along with a cost of £58,000 in consultancy fees for explosive experts.

The money is coming in the form of two grants: £971,500 from the Regional Development Agency and £150,000 from Single Regeneration Budget.

This money has been given to the council to improve certain areas.

A council spokesman said: "Work has to begin on the site by August 31.

"Dates around Christmas and New Year are being looked at for the demolition of these flats, possibly January 13.

"A developer is now being sought to use the site once demolition has taken place.

"We asked for tenders for the project at the same time as we were looking for a company to demolish the flats in Mill Hill. "Approval in principle has already been given to the demolition of the Queen's Park flats but now we need approval for how it is going to be funded."

As well as the two block in Mill Hill, flats in the Lark Hill area of Blackburn are being demolished.

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

An estate of "affordable housing" is being built in its place. One block of the three Lark Hill flats has been refurbished as will be used as sheltered accommodation.

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.