Housing scheme gets top marks

TOP marks have been handed to the Oldham and Rochdale Housing Market Renewal Pathfinder scheme.

It was recognised as “performing strongly” by the Audit Commission, and is one of only three in the country to receive the highest mark available.

The study — the first of its kind by the commission — looked into the approaches the country’s 10 pathfinder schemes take in handling resources, including achieving value for money.

The report praises the local project for successfully attracting more than £21 million private investment and a further £7 million from partners and highlighted a number of strengths.

Pathfinder director Alastair Graham said: “We were pleased that the report noted that we have a clear direction, and that by using resources effectively we have firm foundations to enable us to widen the choice of modern homes across neighbourhoods in Oldham and Rochdale.”

In 2008, the Oldham Rochdale HMR Pathfinder was awarded £90 million for a three-year project to encourage developers to invest in areas that have been starved of private investment, often for decades.

Research shows that by introducing a better mix of housing, people will be encouraged to stay in pathfinder areas, helping to prevent decline.