HOMEOWNERS who found themselves shuttered in by a huge steel factory wall after a council planning error are on the verge of a cash victory.

Blackburn Borough Council has offered 10 residents ex-gratia payments totalling £38,000 for the bungle which allowed a firm to almost double the height of its factory behind their homes.

Spokesman for the affected families, Kevin Hutchinson, said: "I am glad our claim is finally being settled, but I would give the money back if I could have my view restored.

"The money is nice but we will never be able to forget the mistake because we have to face it everyday."

As the Citizen exclusively revealed a year ago, residents in Avondale Road, Darwen, where outraged when they saw the size of the new building by Weltonhurst just six metres from their kitchen windows.

Councillor Andy Kay, chairman of Blackburn Council's development services committee, said: "I appreciate that the delay has been frustrating for the residents but I am delighted that we are now in a position to settle the matter."

Ward councillors Dave Smith and Sue Reid added: "The matter has taken some time to resolve because of the need to comply with legal and good public accounting procedures."

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