PROBLEMS facing Burnley's housing and schools were taken to the top when the town's MP grilled Tony Blair.

Peter Pike asked the Prime Minister at Question Time to do what he could to speed up decisions on cash bids from the council in both areas. And Mr Blair promised to do what he could.

Mr Pike pressed the Prime Minister for an early decision on the bids being submitted for the Elevate housing pathfinder renewal project, and for the secondary school extra capital investment programme.

Under the plans Burnley could see a share of £500milion to regenerate housing in the borough and build six schoolst.

Mr Pike said: "You will know that the two key difficulties that Burnley has faced over the past couple of years have been 4,000 empty houses and problems in our secondary schools.

"During next month, under the Government's housing pathfinder renewal project, Elevate will put in a bid for the programme next year. Does the Prime Minister recognise the importance of ensuring that we receive a favourable answer from the Government?"

Mr Blair replied: "In parts of the north-west and other parts of the north we have houses for which, frankly, we no longer have a proper use, and there is no market for them. That is why a housing market renewal fund of some £500 million has been established. I know that will in part benefit your constituency.

"What you say about the school system is important. Some 41 bids are currently being considered for extra capital investment in schools. The decisions will be taken shortly, but it will mean something in the region of £2billion extra in capital investment for schools in this country.

Afterwards Mr Pike said:"The Government are willing to invest massively in Burnley - both in our secondary schools and in improving our communities by eradicating our empty homes and redeveloping neighbourhoods which have been blighted by streets of empty homes.

"Both in private discussion, and public debate the Prime Minister has been made well aware of the problems which Burnley has faced."