RESIDENTS in a rundown part of Blackburn are to be given the chance to help shape the future of their community -- using millions of pounds of Government cash to help them.

The Griffin area of Blackburn -- running around Stansfield Street, Bombay Street, Griffin Street and Hancock Street -- is the latest to be allocated cash by the borough under the Elevate housing scheme.

Across five boroughs in East Lancashire, Elevate aims to breathe new life into some of the area's poorest and most rundown districts.

Blackburn with Darwen Council will launch a 'masterplanning exercise' next week to find out what people would like to see in their area and how the cash should be spent.

In total, 550 homes and businesses in the area will be affected. Options include total demolition with redevelopment, total renovation or partial clearance and renovation.

Coun Mohammed Khan, Blackburn with Darwen's executive member for housing and neighbourhoods, said: "We need to ensure that any proposals put forward have the backing of the local community so I would urge as many people in that area to come along and have their say.

"The housing market renewal funding has provided us with a unique chance to improve vast parts of our borough and the council is looking forward to putting forward a programme of improvement using many of the comments put forward in the consultation programme."

The Griffin masterplan is one of several being prepared within Blackburn with Darwen. One for the Infirmary area is due to be approved within two months.

Two public meetings are taking place. St Luke's and St Phillip's School, Hancock Street, was the venue for one yesterday.

A second will take place at St Luke's and St Philip's church hall today from 2.30pm until 6.30pm.

A free phone helpline has also been set up for anyone who cannot attend the meetings or who would like more information. The number is 0800 0852207.

First plans for the area will be unveiled next month.

The project will benefit from some of the £22million East Lancashire boroughs have been allocated by Elevate for the next year. Last week it was announced another £45.2m will also be available in the next financial year.

Similar masterplan sessions have taken place in neighbouring boroughs, such as Burnley and Pendle, where people are also being encouraged to have a say in how Elevate money is spent in their communities.