THE transformation of Brierfield is set to take a major step forward as the council prepares to appoint a developer for the area's ageing housing.

The Brierfield Canal Corridor project could see 134 homes and businesses in the town make way for new modern housing.

And seven companies have told the council they would be interested in developing the site.

A final decision on who will lead the scheme is expected by the end of the year.

A spokesman for Pendle Council said: "The Brierfield Canal Corridor Housing project represents one of the first redevelopment projects for new housing to be delivered in Pendle under Elevate East Lancashire.

"It has all the hallmarks to be an exemplar' project.

"It is important to ensure the right developer for fulfilling the council's objectives for redeveloping the canal corridor sites and bringing about a transformational change and improved housing market in Brierfield and Pendle is selected."

The plans could see 69 homes built by the canal and the Holden Road areas of the town and some of the scheme will form the first wave of the regeneration of the area.

The work comes under the multi-million pound Elevate housing prog-ramme.

The council already owns some of the homes and is to serve compulsory purchase orders (CPOs) on the rest.

The first scheme would see 35 terrace homes in King Street and Holden Road replaced with 18 properties.

The other plan is to clear the whole of Berkeley Street, Claremont Street and Belgrave Street - 89 homes - and 10 properties in Veevers Street and put up 51 homes.

No firm plans have been agreed for the type of houses.

But a mix of two, three and four bedroom houses and apartments has been suggested.