RBH criticised for ‘poor management’ of College Bank flats by MP Simon Danczuk

College Bank Way

Rochdale Boroughwide Housing has come under fire from MP Simon Danczuk for ‘poor management of College Bank flats’.

Mr Danczuk posted online: “Why don't key issues you've identified here include improving management of College Bank flats? Tenants complain about your poor management.”

Mr Danczuk was responding to RBH inviting residents of College Bank and Lower Falinge to share their views about the proposed redevelopments to both sites.

A statement released by RBH said: “College Bank and Lower Falinge have endured sustained and unfair negative headlines over a number of years. RBH continues to work alongside the local community and partners to ensure that those who live in College Bank and Lower Falinge are fairly portrayed, and to improve the homes and environment. We also recognise that both neighbourhoods need high levels of investment to ensure that they provide the quality of homes that residents in Central Rochdale deserve.

“We have been very clear with residents that before we make decisions about how to invest we want to have a good look at all the viable options, including whether we should continue to manage College Bank and Lower Falinge with minimal changes. We also want to consider whether a redesign (which may involve some demolition) may be appropriate and if so what kind of homes would be needed to replace any that were demolished, and how we could improve the existing homes.

“College Bank and Lower Falinge cost more to manage and maintain than they generate in rent and yet not enough people want to move into the homes available. Welfare reform changes have made the homes less popular than before and further benefit changes to be implemented after April 2019 will make it more difficult to find tenants for the large number of bedsits in College Bank.

“We recognise the need for good quality homes that meet the needs and aspirations of local people and we are looking at all options to provide the right number, type and quality of homes needed.

“RBH has commissioned nationally renowned architectural practice, Levitt Bernstein, to work with the community and partners over the next three months to identify and assess what the best options may be.

“We held two very well-attended drop in sessions on Monday 6 February in addition to two previous sessions in November. Some of the issues Simon Danczuk refers to were raised by residents as things they would like to change as part of any additional investment.

“As part of Levitt Bernstein’s work, we are very keen to have comments from all those interested and we are committed to continuing to discuss any proposals with Simon and to listen to his views as the local MP.

“There is major investment and regeneration now under way in Rochdale town centre and investing in the homes is a key part of this regeneration. We want to provide better quality homes and a better quality of life for current and future residents of College Bank and Lower Falinge and every decision will be made in consultation with the local community and with that goal in mind.”

Andrew Johnson, secretary of the College Bank Tenants and Residents Association, and tenant member and vice chairman of the RBH Representative Body, commented: “I have been involved in appointing Levitt Bernstein to look at options over the next three months.

“Their brief is to work with residents and partners to consider the best future investment for College Bank and Lower Falinge. I would encourage all those living in the area to get involved and have their say.”

Mr Danczuk did not respond to an invitation to comment further.

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