ANGRY residents who claim their estate looks "more like Kosovo than Blackburn" marched on the town hall to protest about their problems.

More than 60 people took part in the Roman Road Homes in Crisis protest, supported by church leaders Rev Dick Cartmell of St James' CE Church, Lower Darwen, and Father Brian Kealey of Our Lady's RC Church, Blackburn.

They walked from the estate to the cathedral and on to Blackburn town hall last night to hand in a statement to the chairman of the housing and community services committee Mohammed Khan.

Kevin Dunn, chairman of Roman Road Residents Association, said: "It is disgraceful that we are expected to lives on an estate that looks more than Kosovo than Blackburn.

"We have been let down and left in limbo by the council and after all the effort we are no closer to getting things sorted out."

Anger among residents has been heightened after a proposed deal with private developers Keepmoat to regenerate the estate fell at the final hurdle after a two-and-a-half year consultation process. Mr Dunn added: "They put it down to economics but it seems the only thing they have been economical with is the truth.

"Despair and depression is rife on the estate because many are living beside derelict and burned out houses. All we can do now is keep the pressure on."

Frances Chantrell, of Holmbrook Close, added: "I have lived on the state for 22 years and all my family want to stay.

"We have put a lot of time, effort and money into our homes but it's got to the stage that we are ashamed of where we live. Our children are looked down on and don't want to bring their friends home."

Addressing the crowd, Coun Khan said: "The advice to the council is that the proposed Joint Venture Company with Keepmoat is not the best way to fund regeneration on the state.

"It is felt that the risks, uncertainties and financial implication are too great for the council to go ahead in this way.

"This council will continue to work with the residents to Roman Road to pursue their aims."

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