FURIOUS residents living in fear of losing their homes have stepped up their fight to stop them being demolished.

Families in the Redearth Street area of Darwen were protesting outside Darwen market on Saturday after winning the backing of a national pressure group.

Now a petition organised by the residents, who have formed a group called DART (Darwen Action Residency Team), has attracted nearly 4,000 signatures.

Chairman, Natasha Lea Jones, 36, of Sudell Road, said: "We were never consulted on this and were led to believe the houses were to be renovated.

"We are going to fight all the way. We will keep campaigning until they reverse the decision."

Margaret Moulden, 69, added: "I don't want to move. I'm an old lady and I'd struggle."

A total of 149 families face losing their homes in a multi-million pound Elevate scheme aimed at reviving East Lancashire's housing. Blackburn with Darwen council claim the housing is unfit for human habitation and have earmarked this area of Darwen as the first phase.

But national pressure group SAVE British Heritage accused John Prescott of creating a forced migration. It said all but a few of the buildings are in a "fair" condition and urged residents to fight for their homes.

Secretary Adam Wilkinson said: "We were amazed when we visited to see that the condemned houses are fine. This is mad policy and these residents are victims. There is no justification."

At Blackburn with Darwen Council executive meeting last Thursday residents submitted a list of questions to the council demanding to know what was wrong with their houses.

Pensioner Mary Drew, of Lower Cross Street for 53 years said she did not know where she would go if she was forced out.

She said: "This is my home, where I want to live my life in peace, in a community that cares."

A public meeting to discuss the plans is being held at St Peter's Church in Church Terrace, Darwen, on Sunday from 2.30-4pm.