RESIDENTS in Darwen have won the chance to fight demolition plans at a public inquiry.

People who still own houses in the Redearth Street area now hope they can convince a planning inspector that their homes are fit to live in.

But the inquiry could take months to arrange, which could have a knock-on effect on plans to build the Darwen Academy, expected to open on the site at Easter 2008.

Secretary of State John Prescott decided to allow the inquiry after more than 20 objections were submitted against the Compulsory Purchase Order, made by Blackburn with Darwen Council in September this year.

Residents have stood their ground against the council since it decided to demolish 150 homes in what became known as the "Redearth Triangle".

It is part of the first wave of work under the East Lancashire Elevate Pathfinder scheme aimed at improving the standard of housing in the area.

Jeanette Wood, who lives in Star Street, said: "Hopefully we will now get our say and we will get a fair hearing from independent people. They will look at our objections and the council's objections and come to a proper decision.

"This is a major step for us. I was born in this house and if I was offered £1million I wouldn't take it to move out.

"If we get the council's decision overturned it will be great and even if we don't at least they might think twice about doing it again."

Sayyed Osman, assistant director of regeneration, housing and neighbourhoods for Blackburn with Darwen Council, said CPO notices were only served after negotiations to purchase properties in the area failed.

He said: "More than 90 per cent of the owners have agreed with the council's recommendation and opted to sell and we have delivered on promises to assist financially and build new housing with partners to meet the needs of people in the Redearth Road area.

"A public inquiry is not unusual and the council is experienced in such matters."