Housing gets an extra £3m

The Government has given a £3 million boost to Oldham’s scheme to revitalise run-down housing areas.

The Oldham and Rochdale Pathfinder for the Housing Market Renewal initiative will get £3 million on top of £27 million already allocated to build new homes, buy and clear development sites, and refurbish homes.

The money comes after the Pathfinder scheme passed targets for new build, refurbishment, acquisitions and demolition in the first three months of the year, and on its continuing strong performance.

Pathfinder director Alastair Graham said: “We are very pleased that our outstanding record of delivery and the strength of our plans for the future have enabled us to secure this additional funding.

“We can now press ahead to make an even bigger difference in Oldham neighbourhoods.
“This money will mean that we can get started on over 150 new homes this year.

“We expect to refurbish an extra 57 homes, purchase 17 more properties and clear 30 buildings to create sites for future development.”

Housing Market Renewal is active in six neighbourhoods in Oldham: Werneth, Derker, Alt, Sholver, Hathershaw/Fitton Hill and Primrose Bank.

HMR has been awarded £90 million for 2008-2011 in Oldham and Rochdale.