COUNCIL chiefs are to pull out all the stops to demolish a blighted block of Rishton flats by the end of next month.

Final approval was given in May for Chapel House flats, Chapel Street, Rishton, to be bulldozed and now councillors on the Area Council committee will consult with locals about their ideas for the future of the site at their September 27 meeting. Ideas include a car park, play area, and gardens, with the council pledging to help residents apply for lottery funding and other grants.

Hyndburn Council's area council co-ordinator Steve Watson revealed contracts are now being drawn up and will be going out to tender in the next few days to demolition companies.

Most of the 16 flats have been empty for more than two years, with the final resident due to move out to a council house in Rishton within the week.

Residents complained to councillors more than a year ago about vandalism, fly tipping and juvenile nuisance in the area.

But now they are to decide the future of the area at the September meeting, when the four Rishton councillors will listen to the ideas of residents.

Mr Watson said: "The flats had a terrible image problem and January's meeting was attended by 100 residents who have been following events very closely. "The process will cost about £30,000, which will be paid for by the housing section of Hyndburn Council.

"But the most important thing is the fact the public have been involved every step of the way. It is their project and they will be the ones who decide want they want to do with it.

"I would say it is the most important achievement of any area council in Hyndburn so far."

Chairman of Rishton Area Council, Coun June Butler has been one of the forces behind the project.

She said: "A lot really depends on how much money we get but I would like to see a garden for older and younger children.

"If we get them demolished in time for the meeting, we should all have a party to celebrate.

Anybody who wants to contribute to the debate on the future of the site should call Steve Watson on 01254 380121.