PLANS for a housing scheme for young people have collapsed after protests from residents.

Bradford and Northern Housing Association has pulled out of negotiations to use Tarleton House, Todmorden Road, Burnley, and the building is now to be offered for sale or lease by Burnley Council.

People power forced the council to think again after the scheme was discussed by the housing committee in March.

Burnley Wood residents attended the town hall expressing strong fears that the project would add to the deterioration of the area.

A report on negotiations was deferred for talks with residents who remained opposed to the scheme. One of the protesters, Sue Ashmore, of Timberhill Nurseries, said the decision was a victory for the residents who were strongly against it and wanted, instead, to see the regeneration of Burnley Wood.

Housing committee chairman Coun Rafique Malik confirmed that when the matter was discussed in private at last week's housing meeting, it was reported that Bradford and Northern had withdrawn.

It was decided the property was surplus to housing requirements and, subject to council approval, should be offered for sale or lease on the open market.

He said: "Members of the committee had sympathy with the residents' fears.

"We have to listen to the residents and respect their wishes."

Although that particular scheme was not now going ahead, the housing committee would continue to look at the issue of housing for young people.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.