THE owner of a house which collapsed will have to pay for all repair work after it was revealed the house had been condemned eight months ago.

Teams from Blackburn with Darwen Council went to the terrace property on Franklin Street, Darwen, to clear up the rubble and secure the side which was affected.

Residents on Franklin Street had a lucky escape when the wall collapsed at 7am last Monday.

The alleyway next to the house which is used by many children was blocked as stones came crashing down, some resting against the house on the other side of the alley.

Sally MacAllister, neighbourhood housing manager with the council, confirmed the owner, who is believed to still live in the area, will be invoiced for any costs incurred.

She said: "The owner remains responsible for the repair and maintenance of the property.

"The council is arranging for emergency works to be carried out."

She added no decision had been taken about demolishing the house, which was condemned by the council's housing officers in March with strict instructions given to the owner to maintain and secure the property.

The house was meant to be empty in April but the owner was brought back into court in September for breaching the order.

He was fined £1,000 by a court and he was told he would be fined for every day the house was occupied.

The property is believed to have been unoccupied since September.

The house had a visible bow on the wall which collapsed, and residents on Franklin Street said they were not surprised the wall went.

Police sealed off the area until everything had been made safe and council surveyors visited the house on Wednesday.

When asked, the council declined to comment on any legal action being taken against the owner and refused to name him.