Demolition plans will build brighter future

DERELICT areas of Derker and Werneth will be transformed after Oldham council Cabinet members approved demolition plans.

The Cabinet agreed proposals to use money previously earmarked to support the now cancelled Bellway Homes scheme, part of the Housing Market Renewal programme, in Derker.

As revealed in yesterday’s Chronicle, funds will now be redirected to demolish blocks of terrace houses in the two areas where just one property remains occupied.

Council officers can now start to negotiations with home owners to purchase the remaining residential properties but these will cease on June 8.

If an agreement can’t be reached and occupants want to stay in their homes, the remaining properties on the block will still be demolished.

If all negotiations are successful, demolition work will begin on 155 houses in Derker and 46 in Werneth later this year.

Elaine McLean, executive director for economy, places and skills, said: “The last remaining residents in these terrace blocks are clearly vulnerable — and these sites also have a detrimental visual impact on their neighbourhoods.

“Recently there have been a number of fires in the adjacent empty properties plus reports of break-ins, anti-social behaviour and vandalism.

“In the past, some owners objected to the proposals for the area. They might still do so but Oldham Council wants to give them one last chance to sell before we demolish the rest of the block.

“We’d like to open talks with these homeowners as soon as possible with a view to demolishing these terrace blocks and delivering a brighter future for these communities.”