WORK will start next week on a £1.2m housing scheme in the Bastwell area of Blackburn.

In the final phase of its project, Gleeson PLC will build 19 three and four bedroom houses between Cedar Street and the previous phase one and phase two sites in the neighbouring Brookhouse area.

The scheme will include work on access, sewers, street lighting, car parking areas, paths, landscaping and drains.

Northern Counties Housing Association organised the project which will be managed under a lease agreement by the Ashiana Housing Association.

David Kay, managing director of Gleeson's Northern Construction Division said: "We are delighted to commence the final phase in this project, due for completion in June 2000. The scheme, as part of the City Challenge initiative run by Blackburn with Darwen Council, provides good quality, affordable housing for local people."

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