Refurbishment of gateway homes in Blackburn

Refurbishment work on homes along an important route into Blackburn town centre is underway.

The first phase of refurbishments in Audley Range was completed in January and work to three further blocks of houses has begun.

Homes will benefit from cleaning and pointing of the brickwork at the front, new rainwater gutters, down pipes, new garden walls, paths and gates.

The gateway project also includes refurbishments to further properties on Accrington Road in the 2010/2011 programme.

HMR work to refurbish properties is aimed at improving their appearance and the local area, thereby helping to inspire confidence in the area and boost the local housing market.

Mrs Ingrid Pilkington, an Audley Range resident to benefit from the refurbishment scheme, said: "The work has really improved the look of my home and I am very pleased with it."

Councillor Salim Lorgat, executive member for housing, said: "This is another example of the extensive Housing Market Renewal investment which is taking place throughout the Borough.

"This investment is helping to improve confidence within the area and amongst the community whilst improving the housing market in the borough. We will continue to work to make Blackburn with Darwen a better to place to live."

The scheme is part of the Council's gateway refurbishment project funded by the Housing Market Renewal programme (HMR).

Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council has received £12 million this year, from Regenerate Pennine Lancashire (formerly Elevate) which is one of the HMR pathfinders created by the government to manage the multi-million pound Housing Market Renewal Programme for Pennine Lancashire.