Homes campaigner Terry dies at 73

Terry Walsh with his wife, Maureen

A MAN who campaigned alongside his wife against the Housing Market Renewal programme to demolish or renovate houses in Derker and Werneth, has died.

Terry Walsh (73), who died on Monday evening, and his wife, Maureen, who recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary, battled to save their home in London Road, Derker, for years.

The former long-distance lorry driver had until recently been threatening Oldham Council with High Court legal action after claims he and his wife were about to be abandoned in a “wasteland” community.

Legal action was dropped before Christmas due to Mr Walsh’s poor health.

After eventually accepting an offer to sell and move to a house near to their home they were left in limbo when the Housing Market Renewal programme was axed as part of the Government’s spending cuts.

Mrs Walsh, one of the Derker Action Group founders, said: “He backed me all along.

“He was a gentle quiet man, even though he was 100 per cent behind it, he did not shout and scream about, he let me do that.

“He was part of the group that fought against what was happening and he was well known in the community.

“We have had loads of support, cards and phone calls.”

Mrs Walsh plans to stay and decorate her terraced house, which will be one of just two properties left standing after the demolition of surrounding houses eventually takes place.

Mr Walsh’s family hope any work will not take place around the home on the day of his funeral — a date has yet to be confirmed — out of respect.