We shall not be moved

Staying put . . . Residents Maureen Walsh, left, Kathleen Ashworth, centre, and Joan Diggle Picture: ANTHONY MILLER

A trio of Derker residents who have collectively lived in their homes for 175 years say: “We shall not be moved”.

Kathleen Ashworth (82), Joan Diggle (74), and Maureen Walsh (69), stalwarts of the Derker Action Group, have spoken out after criticism that they are holding up the future of Derker.

The group is waiting to hear if a judge has granted them leave to appeal, after they lost their High Court case opposing the orders to demolish their homes in December.

All live in the Housing Market Renewal area, and their homes are in the second demolition phase.

Last week, Councillor Roger Hindle wrote to the Chronicle to say it was time to see progress, and concentrate on people in homes not scheduled for demolition.

And resident Peter Hibberd urged the action group to give up their fight, saying the area was “like war- torn Beirut”.

But Maureen, who has lived in the home she owns for 45 years, said: “We are sticking together because it seems we have no champion for the people who wish to stay.”

Both Maureen and Kathleen, who has lived in her home for over 60 years, experienced the St Mary’s slum clearances in the 1960s.

Kathleen’s parents were moved out and went to live next door to her in Derker with her aunt.

Maureen, who was moved from St Mary’s to flats in Albert Mount, Derker, before buying her London Road home, said: “They split up communities then and they are doing the same now.

“Why are people being offered properties in Royton, Shaw, Chadderton and so on, yet no new properties have been started in Derker?

“They have never told us why our homes have been chosen, never been into our properties to find out what they are like. It has not been a democratic process.”

Joan is the longest serving resident, born in one terrace house before moving to her present home almost 70 years ago. Her family has been in the same street for 100 years.

She said: “I am not concerned with getting money to move — I want my house.”

Kathleen, who has been a campaigner for the area and worked with Groundwork to improve the Derker Station area, added: “This is not a house, it is a home with memories and good neighbours.”