Bulldozers move in on troubled homes

A block of old people’s bungalows and several vandalised flats on Alt estate will be demolished by Oldham Council.

There are only nine tenants in the 26 bungalows in Cherry Avenue, and residents have told the council they want to move out. The adjacent block of flats is already empty following severe vandalism by previous tenants who have been evicted.

It would cost £85,000 to refurbish and relet them, rather than the £21,000 to demolish them all, according to a report from executive director of regeneration Tom Flanagan. The demolition is supported by ward councillors and Alt Tenants’ and Residents’ Association, he added.

The cleared site will eventually be used to build more homes.