A LONG-AWAITED cash windfall from the sale of council homes will be spent on sprucing up crumbling houses across East Lancashire.

The Local Government Finance Bill has received Royal Assent, giving the green-light to the new investment which will be used for the most pressing needs in both the private and council sector.

Housing minister Hilary Armstrong said: "Local authorities will be able to use this extra money to support housing and housing related regeneration schemes.

"That means resources for housing and for work which improves people's quality of life, for example tackling crime and vandalism on estates."

Blackburn with Darwen Council will receive the biggest cash injection of £490,000 followed by an estimated figure of £1,793,000 next year.

They are followed by Burnley Council, who will be given £322,000 followed by an second instalment of £1,054, 000.

Pendle will get £221, 000 then £794,000. Hyndburn homes will benefit to the tune of £184,000 this year and £680,000 in 1998.

Rossendale has been allocated £187,000 and then £640,000 and the Ribble Valley will receive £93,000 and £308,000.

Mrs Armstrong added: "It is now up to authorities to use wisely and well the extra money we have found and get to grips with the housing problems of local people."

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