Empty properties demolished to improve residential area

Demolition has started on two houses in Heys Road, Prestwich which have lain empty for years.

Bury Council has taken the unusual action to demolish these properties to improve the environment after the owners allowed the homes to fall into a ruinous state, creating significant negative impacts on the area for many years.

Councillor Sandra Walmsley, cabinet member for resource and regulation, said: “The owners have failed to do anything with these properties and failed to do the work we demanded of them, despite our many attempts at negotiation over the years.

“These houses are in such a bad state that demolition was the only viable option, and I am sure that local residents will welcome this course of action.

“We will recoup our costs by securing them against the land and enforcing the sale of it, which means that local taxpayers will not bear the cost of this work.”

ENDS

Press release issued: 28 January 2016.

Picture: At the Heys Road demolition are (from left) Paul Markwick of McGuinness Contractors; Adrian Hughes, building control team leader; Janet Ingham, assistant buildings control officer; ward councillor Paddy Heneghan; Cllr Jane Black, deputy cabinet member for housing; Freda Reiss, environmental health officer; and Kate Fitzsimons, unit nanager urban renewal.