Eyesore house to get new lease of life

AN abandoned house that has become a magnet for crime and anti-social behaviour is to be brought back to useful life.

Oldham Council says the sale of 30 Miles Street, Derker, will end more than 11 years of problems for neighbours.

Since the death of the last owner in February 2004, the council has spent more than £6,600 trying to keep it safe. Attempts to trace the rightful owner and recover the costs have failed, so the council will now sell the house to get its expenses back. The successful buyer will have to work with the council to bring the house back to use.

Councillor Dave Hibbert, Cabinet member for housing, planning and transport, said: “This property has blighted the lives of residents living in Miles Street. Enough is enough, and that is why we are enforcing the sale of this property.”