HMR scheme helps 3,000 families

MORE than 3,000 families in Oldham have enjoyed home improvements as part of a Government scheme to help revitalise the housing market.

Under the Housing Market Renewal programme (HMR) £184 million has been spent on the Oldham/Rochdale scheme.

HMR was created in 2002 to tackle problems of housing market failure, where prices had often collapsed and areas were facing widespread abandonment.

The Oldham/Rochdale projects started in 2004, with 10 areas set to benefit, six of which are in Oldham — Alt, Derker, Hathershaw/Fitton Hill, Primrose Bank, Sholver and Werneth.

Housing Minister Ian Austin said: “A range of imaginative regeneration projects have already taken place, transforming some very neglected areas and providing improved housing stock for the communities in those areas.”

Since the beginning of the scheme, there have been 323 new-builds and 3,200 homes have been refurbished. A further 800 properties have been demolished.

Oldham East and Saddleworth MP Phil Woolas said: “As a local MP I back my constituents if they have been treated unfairly but these figures show that more than 3,000 people have been helped.

“I believe that Derker has a strong future but we are not there yet.”

Ministers say while there is still work to do the programme has made significant progress in the areas and the money will help bridge the gaps that still remain.

Oldham West and Royton MP Michael Meacher said: “Any new-build is extremely welcome when there are 12,000 people on the waiting list in Oldham.”