A HOUSING provider has said the demolition of a Darwen eyesore is to start imminently.

This comes as the former Elizabeth House site in Sudellside Street was set on fire earlier this week.

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Two fire crews from Blackburn attended the site at 8.15pm on Wednesday and found the building alight.

Together Housing Association announced earlier this year that the derelict housing estate would be demolished in June and a 46-home development would take its place.

However no work had been started since the announcement, causing residents to raise eyebrows over its future.

The cause of the delay is unknown, however councillor Jane Oates, who represents the area on Blackburn With Darwen Council, said it was believed the building had suffered a bat problem.

She said: “The site has been a big problem in Darwen for several months with lots of fly tipping and anti-social behaviour taking place.

“It is a common site to see rubbish dumped on areas of land that have become derelict and are no longer checked.

“However playing with fire is dangerous and it can be fatal, it’s not something to mess with.

“I have had several residents ask me what is going on with the site as the work was supposed to start earlier in the summer.

“I have heard there was problems with bats and the builders have had one issue to the next, but I am glad now that the work will commence.

“It means the site will be better protected and it will deter people from entering it and doing something they shouldn’t.

“There are some nice plans that are in mind for the development and I know a lot of residents will feel relieved to see them finished.”

The new buildings will include older people’s bungalows and three-bedroom family homes which will be made available for affordable rent.

A fire service spokesman said no-one was hurt in the blaze during the incident.

A Together Housing Group spokesman said: “We are really pleased to confirm that the development works at Ellenshaw will commence in the near future.

“We are optimistic that work will start on site within the next few weeks.”