A broken window at one of the properties. A previously unpublished image.

Residents in the Partridge Hill ward of Padiham are living in fear of what might happen if empty houses in the area are left in their present condition. Their feelings are summed up by 65-year-old Mrs Jane Burrows of Mitton Street, who lives next door but one to a house that has been empty for almost two years: "Children play in the house and it is in a very dangerous condition. If something is not done quickly one of the youngsters is going to get hurt." She said that the house was not in bad condition when it became empty, but the furniture has been broken, doors battered in, and the front window has been smashed. Another neighbour, Miss C. Finnigan of Mitton Street said the house was being used as a rubbish tip and it should have been bricked or boarded up a long time ago. Another empty house in Ightenhill Street is causing similar concerns and Mrs J. Burns of Ightenhill Street said children had been seen striking matches inside the house. About six months ago workmen had to break in to deal with a smell of gas from the property and broken window had not been boarded.

Complaints had been made to the Partridge Hill Ward Tenants' Association and chairman Mr Harry Fuller said that people took pride in their homes and should not have to live next to houses in a dangerous condition. Mr Fuller had raised the matter with Padiham District Council's surveyor and although he had had some success in the past he was still waiting for action to be taken on his latest report.