CONTROVERSIAL plans to revamp part of Colne have been announced.

Developers Barnes Walker Ltd have submitted a scheme to demolish Bright Street and redevelop Mason Street and New Market Street.

Work is under way to clean up the exterior of homes in Mason Street and New Market Street. But an ex-serviceman campaigning against the proposals today vowed to continue fighting the plans which would see his home of 23 years demolished.

John Barker, 53, of Bright Street, who served with the Kings Own Light Infantry Yorkshire Regiment for six years and now works at Woodhead Brothers abbatoir, said residents were annoyed work on rented properties on the other streets had started.

Mr Barker said residents were told Bright Street would be knocked down because of the number dilapidated properties.

Mr Barker said: "We in Bright Street are going to continue fighting the plans. If we give in now they are just going to walk all over us."

As well as replacing the 34 homes in Bright Street with six houses and a communal square, new back streets, paths and front gardens could be built in Mason Street and back yards and gardens in Mason Street and New Market Street could be extended.

Last year early proposals sparked controversy when it was announced 67 homes in Bright Street and Mason Street could be bulldozed.

Following a public consultation as part of Elevate - the huge multi-million pound overhaul of housing in the area - residents lost their fight to save Bright Street.However, councillors decided to save Mason Street and buy empty and dilapidated private rented houses in the other streets, for refurbishment or sale to owner occupiers and displaced residents.

Chairman of Elevate's housing market renewal committee in Pendle, Councillor Tony Greaves, said work would probably not begin until 2007 because the council would have to serve compulsory purchase orders on homes and members were doing their best to minimise disruption for residents.

He added: "As councillors we want to see the position resolved as soon as possible because having lots of boarded up houses is not good. We are trying to give a new lease of life to houses in Mason Street and New Market Street.

"It's not good for people to have empty derelict houses there. The council is doing its best to keep things tidy."