Blocks demolished to stop yobs

BLOCKS of empty properties in Chadderton’s Crossley Estate are being demolished to stop neighbours living in fear of anti-social behaviour.

They have been emptied ahead of the Gateways to Oldham private finance initiative refurbishment of the estate.

But tenants are leaving faster than housing managers expected and 32 of the 48 are now vacant.

The blocks in Appledore, Hythe, Romney and Cranbrook Walks, and Kent Avenue, will be demolished as soon as a contract has been agreed.

As the homes are emptied, steel door and window covers are put up, services decommissioned and boilers and copper piping removed.

But empty homes are still being vandalised and a report from the executive director of adult and community services, Veronica Jackson, says the estate’s alleys and poor lighting make easy escape routes.

Anti-social behaviour has increased and there have been complaints by residents despite security measures and police action.

TWO consortia are competing for the £130 million Gateways to Oldham contract, and a preferred bidder should be announced at the end of this year, with work starting in August.