Joan’s toppling terrace torment

Photo: Picture by DARREN ROBINSON

FALLING down: Joan Diggle, of Acre Lane, Derker, next door to the collapsing house.

AN elderly woman is fearing for her safety as the next-door terrace house crumbles around her.

Joan Diggle (78), who has lived in her beloved Derker property almost all her life, is scared the collapsing, condemned house will damage her own home.

The pensioner is the last one standing in a section of Acre Lane — a street affected by the controversial Housing Market Renewal (HMR) project.

She told the Chronicle work had started in recent months to demolish the unoccupied end property.

Oldham Council vowed measures were put in place to ensure the safety of the property — but during Sunday’s storms, and the early hours of Monday morning, parts collapsed.

Joan, whose family have lived along the terrace for more than 100 years, said: “I am scared and it’s not safe.

“I feel like I am being forced out of my property.”

Elaine McLean, Oldham Council’s executive director for economy, places and skills, said “Our main priority is to ensure that the building is made safe as soon as possible.

“We hope to have completed this work by mid week.”





The full version of thos story is in tonight’s print and eChron editions