TENANTS are being moved out of dilapidated multi-storey flats in readiness for demolition.

Around two thirds of the people living in Blackburn's Mill Hill flats have been found new homes and Blackburn with Darwen Council is now close to sealing a deal with developers which should pave the way towards flattening the unpopular flats.

The plan is to persuade developers to demolish the flats and build private houses on the site.

The council has struggled for several years to let out flats in the Mill Hill tower blocks because of problems with drug addicts and criminals.

Vacant multi-storey flats account for a large number of the borough's vacant properties and cost the council thousands in lost rent and repairs. Housing bosses are staying tight-lipped about any possible deals, but talks have taken place with two developers and around 200 people have already been moved out of the blocks leaving just over 100 tenants behind.

Empty flats have been boarded up and the council wants to see the deal go through as soon as possible.

Blackburn with Darwen housing spokesman George Campling revealed the latest move at a housing management sub-committee.

He said: "We are close to settling a deal to dispose of the Mill Flats and talks have been taking place with two different developers."

A second publicity campaign is also being planned in a bid to tempt more tenants to move into Blackburn Roman Road estate.

Councillors have expressed concern about the number of empty homes in the borough.

Tory housing spokesman Coun John Williams described the figures as "horrendous" and added: "We really need to do something about the situation."

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