First area in £90m housing revamp plan revealed

Residents and businesses in about 350 properties in central Blackpool will be invited to drop-in sessions to discuss the scheme

The first phase of a £90m plan to regenerate deprived areas in central Blackpool has been revealed.

The council was awarded the funding from the government last year to demolish about 400 properties, which are no longer fit for purpose, and replace them with up to 280 bigger new homes.

Residents and business occupiers of about 350 properties in parts of Ashton Road, Central Drive, Chadwick Street, Erdington Road, Grasmere Road, Harrison Street, Kent Road, Montrose Avenue, Princess Street, Rigby Road, Rydal Avenue and Salthouse Avenue will now be contacted.

Council leader Lynn Williams said it marked "a significant milestone for Blackpool".

Initially there will be no immediate change, as the regeneration is part of a 15 to 20-year scheme and the houses within the area will not be required immediately, the council said.

Elizabeth Lamb, a resident of Rydal Avenue all her life, says she would worry if the area started getting boarded up

A planning application is expected in the summer.

Elizabeth Lamb, who has been a resident of Rydal Avenue all her life, said: "This area has just been allowed to deteriorate."

The 85-year-old said: "I've gone from having two air raid shelters in the street, to not knowing your neighbours.

"You think, 'Is this ever going to happen?, and 'do I need to worry at my age?'

"These houses which are over 100 years old will stand longer than some of the new builds.

"It would worry me if there were just two houses and everything else boarded up."

Williams said: "Our goal in the long term is to create new neighbourhoods that not only provide quality housing but also encourage private sector development and investment.

"Our team have invited those that are directly affected to drop-in events to talk through any anxieties they may have.

"The housing-led regeneration programme will focus on creating a mix of housing types to cater to various needs, ensuring that the new developments are inclusive and sustainable."