Derker: deal done on 80pc of homes

MORE than 80 per cent of the homes and businesses in the Derker compulsory purchase order area have been bought by agreement between the owners and Oldham Council.

And the first properties are now being prepared for demolition, the council says.

Although an inspector at a public inquiry approved the council’s CPO powers to demolish homes and businesses in 2007, the Derker Community Action Group (DCAG) is challenging his decision and a court case is due in October.

Demolition of most homes in the CPO area is on hold until the judge’s ruling.

Phil Jobling, assistant director for the council’s regeneration department, explained: “While the public inquiry gave us CPO powers, we have chosen not to use them at the moment because we are concerned that there is a challenge against them.

“We have chosen to be cautious, but that doesn’t mean we can’t buy properties, or do preparatory work such as a bat survey and asbestos survey. Gas will be disconnected next week.”

But Maureen Walsh, chairman of DCAG, said: “I think they are putting two fingers up to us and saying we will demolish these houses. I don’t believe anyone has the right to say ‘It may be your house but I want it’.”

However, Councillor Mohib Uddin, cabinet member for regeneration, said: “People who live on the edge of these empty properties are fed up.

“We share their frustration at the delay that this latest appeal by DCAG has caused.

“We want to do everything we can to make sure these houses are safe, and to move things forward as much as we possibly can within legal limits.

“Fortunately, there are various actions we can take now which will speed up the demolition process if DCAG loses its appeal.

“These will not affect the viability of these properties should the CPO order be quashed.

“It is good news that we are getting on with making this terrace of properties safe and ready for demolition.”