ANGRY residents say they will have to be carried out of their homes if a council wants to demolish the properties.

More than 100 householders in the Rectory Road and Cavour Street area of Burnley claim town hall bosses want to clear their houses for industrial development - but haven't the courage to tell them.

One couple, Joseph and Gloria O'Leary, say they are simply not prepared to leave the home they love.

Joseph, 68, said: "The council can decide what they like - but we are staying put at our age, no-matter what they say."

Labour leaders were today accused of "underhand tactics" on the issue by Liberal Democrat, Gordon Birtwistle, who says a special report has listed options for the future of the 40 homes under threat in the small corner of Stoneyholme. The report was not presented to this week's meeting of the housing committee for full discussion and will, instead, go to a special meeting just half an hour before any recommendations are ratified by the full council.

Said Coun Birtwistle: "The whole thing stinks. They have been working on this for months and I believe the report is ready - but the Labour party simply haven't the courage to declare their hand until it is all cut and dried."

He added: "They promised full consultation with the people, but they are just ducking and diving - and it is clear they are determined to clear many very nice houses and trample all over the views of residents."

But a town hall spokesman dismissed the claims and said there would be full consultation as promised by council leader, Kath Reade.

The report, listing three or four options was not yet ready but would go to the special meeting on July 2nd when the council would indicate its preferred option, before throwing the issue open to full, lengthy and detailed consultation.

The issue would then return to the housing committee for a decision.

Were this to involve compulsory purchase of properties, there would be further time for objection, and the opportunity of a public inquiry into the whole issue.

The spokesman said: "The council is being completely open and honest about the whole thing."

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