Lower Falinge could be demolished

Lower Falinge residents Peyman Parviz and Farzad Ghasemi

Lower Falinge could be facing demolition as part of a government scheme to obliterate “the worst estates in Britain”.

The area, previously dubbed the most deprived area in England, is one of a number of housing developments reportedly being targeted as part of a £140m scheme to flatten problem housing estates and rebuild new and improved homes across the country.

Falinge resident Peyman Parviz, who has lived in Lower Falinge for over two years, said the changes can’t come soon enough. He added: “No-one seems to really know anything about this yet, but I am so glad to hear about it. We desperately need change.”

Fellow resident Peter Bowker said: “This place is a hell hole. There are drug dealers left and right. My neighbours are always partying and no one ever gets any sleep. I say wipe the place out and start again”.

Rochdale Boroughwide Housing has said that although improvements are needed to the quality of the homes, there is a strong local community to remain proud of.

A spokesperson added: “Our flagship new build has already created 30 brand new and high quality homes for rent in the area. We are disappointed to read another negative media article which does not reflect our view or the view of local people.

“We have had no discussion with government about Lower Falinge or any other neighbourhoods in Rochdale, and our understanding is that the funding announced is loan funding that will only work in areas, like London, with high land values.

“We are committed to continuing our positive relationship with the community in Lower Falinge and our approach will continue to be to work with them on any plans to make any improvements in the neighbourhood.”

Spotland and Falinge Councillor Shefali Ahmed said the changes are necessary to bring down drug crime and anti-social behaviour. She added: “It is only fair on the residents of Falinge that they get this. They deserve better housing.

“There are so many families with small children who are moving into the flats because they are in dire need of accommodation. What we need is attention to this – we need to call for play areas for the children, and create a place in which they feel safe and comfortable.”

She added: “At the end of the day this is a very positive move for Rochdale. In the end it will help to bring the crime rates down, and I’m sure the residents agree that improvements are a good idea.”