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SPEAKING up for the forgotten community . . . MP Michael Meacher with (from left) Alan Murphy, Joyce Flannery, Mary Mulheir, Linda Smith, Louise Crosby, Councillor Fida Hussein, and Ruksana Shaukat

MP speaks up for Werneth’s forgotten folk

OLDHAM MP Michael Meacher took to the streets of Werneth over fears it has been abandoned due to the withdrawal of Housing Market Renewal cash.

The Oldham West and Royton MP visited residents in Norfolk Street, Freehold, to see the situation for himself.

Mr Meacher said the funding loss has led to houses that were due to be demolished being abandoned by Oldham Council and the Government, leaving the area derelict and some families stranded.

He said: “Many people are living among dereliction with houses on both sides of their homes boarded up, leading to dampness, vandalism and rodent and pest infection. Residents have been told that the money has been withdrawn and that their homes cannot be purchased under the Compulsory Purchase Scheme, leaving them abandoned. This is the hard edge of Government cuts.”

Mr Meacher said he is working with local councillors to impress on the council and Government the extreme need in this area.

Councillor Fida Hussain said: “It is very disappointing that the scheme to renew this area of Werneth has ground to a halt half-way through the project.

“I am bitterly disappointed that the CPO order on these homes and the Hertford Mill has been abandoned as it has been derelict for many years.

“I want to know how long this community will have to wait to see this eyesore go.”