HOUSING chiefs are on the verge of a double breakthrough in their attempt to solve Blackburn's high-rise flats problem.

A deal with developers to demolish the unpopular Mill Hill flats and replace them with low-cost housing is expected to be completed within weeks. And the council has revealed negotiations which would result in students from Blackburn College moving into flats at Lark Hill.

Blackburn Council's plans for its high-rise properties were dealt a major blow last year when the Government turned down a bid for £3.4 million worth of grants under the Capital Challenge project.

The major cause for concern are the three blocks at Mill Hill, which are almost impossible to let to new tenants.

The number of vacant properties at Mill Hill make up around a fifth of the 600 council properties currently standing empty.

But the council has been holding talks with private housing property developers with the hope of finding a solution.

The aim is to sell off the site to housing developers who would come up with the cash needed to demolish the multi-storeys. The flats would be replaced with low-cost housing. Town hall bosses are confident they can close the deal within a matter of weeks but are not naming the developers with whom they have been holding talks.

Northern Counties Housing Association has expressed interest in refurbishing the Larkhill blocks. The aim would be to provide decent, cheap housing for the town's student population.

There are also moves to refurbish Queens Park flats and a new lettings property is also planned for Daisyfield.

The aim is to let tenants under the age of 50 move into the flats for the first time.

Housing chairman Sue Reid said: "The Capital Challenge bid was a comprehensive proposal for our tower blocks which received favourable comment from the Government.

"Unfortunately there was not enough money in the pot and we were unlucky not to receive Government help in funding the proposals.

"However, we considered it was important to seek alternative ways of progressing with the schemes as the council felt the proposals were the best way of rejuvenating the tower blocks."

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