RESIDENTS in one of the most deprived areas of Pendle are being urged to have their say on a major housing regeneration scheme due to start next year.

Exhibitions and public meetings outlining various options for the renewal project, known as Nelson West Neighbourhood Renewal Area (NRA), will be held at Silverman Hall on Wednesday and the Civic Theatre onthursday. The exhibitions will run from 10am to 5.30pm, followed by the meetings at 7.30pm.

The NRA covers much of Bradley and Whitefield wards and aims to improve the quality of life for local people. Pendle Council has to declare the boundaries of the NRA by April to win much-needed government investment.

Housing officer Babar Marza, will be at the events for any residents who would like to discuss the plans in Urdu.

Paul Yeomans, of the council's urban renewal unit, said: "This is a big opportunity for residents to help us turn round the fortunes of this area, where over 75 per cent of homes are in need of substantial repair and there are problems of social deprivation. "All residents and businesses have been sent a newsletter and survey asking them to make comments on four options. The surveys need to be returned to Nelson Town Hall by November 3 to help the council decide how best to tackle the area's problems."

The options outline how large an area should benefit from investment.

Although the plans focus on improvement, clearance and redevelopment of housing, the council hopes to draw in extra cash to improve community facilities such as play areas and a youth centre.

It is also hoped some cleared sites could be used for long-stay car parking.

Councillors will decide which option to pursue in January.

The Nelson West NRA follows the success of a similar scheme in the Southfield area of town, which has benefited from more than £6 million investment over the last six years.

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