COUNCIL bosses have prompted outrage by saying they are confident of winning a public inquiry into a controversial housing clearance.

But angry residents still living in the bricked-up streets of Darwen's Redearth Triangle say nothing has been decided, and they will fight to the end.

It was announced this week that the inquiry, run by a government inspector and called because of the number of objections to the project, will begin at 10am on March 14 at Blackburn Town Hall.

Both the council and representatives of the residents will be given an opportunity to state their cases for and against homes being compulsory purchased by the council as part of the area's Elevate housing renovation and renewal project.

At the end of the inquiry, the Secretary of State will make a decision on the future of the houses, which the council intends to bulldoze to make way for the proposed Darwen Academy.

The council is confident it will be successful and will soon be able to compulsory purchase the remainder of the homes to clear the whole area between Redearth Road, Sudell Road and Redearth Street.

Coun Mohammed Khan, executive member for housing and neighbourhoods, said: "The council has promised to assist residents find affordable housing and to build new housing with partners to meet the needs of people in the Redearth Road area, many of whom are now moving to the new Woodlands Park.

"We are pleased that we have delivered on these promises and are still extending these support packages to the small number of owners who are objecting. A public inquiry is not unusual and we are experienced in such matters and have a successful track record.

"We are confident that we will be able to justify our reasons for clearance, whatever the nature of the objection. Housing Market Renewal is not a quick fix but a comprehensive package of measures to improve the local housing market.

"We are already beginning to see the fruits of this investment and are confident that this is the only solution to ensure the long-term stability and growth of the housing market in Darwen."

But resident Jeanette Wood, of Star Street, said the attitude of the council had spurred residents to fight on even if it meant chaining themselves to their front doors.

She said: "We have got someone who will be speaking on our behalf at the inquiry. I am not selling my home and I will chain myself to my front door if I have to.

"We are having to live in between empty houses so it's costing a fortune on heating bills. The back streets are not being cleaned and there's several back yards full of dirty clothes, rubbish and food which are starting to smell.

"We're are also having to live in the middle of a building site with wagons going up and down throughout the day. I think until the public inquiry had been held, the demolition work should have stopped."