Deserted Homes

Busman747 · 27-06-2004, 23:05

As some of you may know, I am a southerner (ok, foreigner) recently moved to Accie. I absolutely love the place but am dumbstruck by the huge amount of empty houses in the area. I have been told that many are compulsory purchases by the council but why are they not being done up or cleared to build new accomodation? Is there a waiting list in Blackburn/Accie? Does everybody have a roof over their head? Do we have any councillors on the Accie web that can explain to me the reason for leaving these houses to collapse through neglect?
If just one building was left to rot down south, many questions would be asked as to the reason why as there are so many that need a home that they can afford!

Gobsmacked · 28-06-2004, 07:03

It's a northern thing Busman. lmpo.

Seriously, I have been told that HBC (as opposed to HSBC) plans clearing a lot of the old terraced housing and rundown shops, particularly on the old Blackburn Rd and side streets. Perhaps those are the houses you are referring to.

Waiting list for council houses? There's probably a very long one. Not sure on the policy in Hyndburn but perhaps they don't want the responsibility. Didn't a private houosing scheme purchase an old council estate in the Blackburn (Roman Road) area and "do it up"? Has the same thing happened in and around Accrington?

Busman747 · 22-08-2004, 23:09

EVERYONE tells me that the council have "got it in hand.".....They are waiting for the remaining owners to move out etc etc............but how long must it take? If a street is to be cleared, why not use the "Compulsory Purchase Order" I hate the scheme....but all other councils use it to good effect!

There are hundreds of run down houses in Accie and Blackburn that are "awaiting" re-development but recently, I was travelling along the M65 towards Burnley and saw street after street with holes in roofs and in a dilapidated state!! WHY??

pendy · 23-08-2004, 13:13

What costs more? - building new chicken hutches or doing up old terraces, the sort of houses that people really want and love. If HBC can't be bothered, why not sell them off cheap to people who want houses, with a grant to do them up? Better than letting them fall down, and particularly with house prices rising as they are now. It could give people a chance of having their own home, with all the pride and joy that goes with it.