Former Mayor Robin Parker calls for RBH to be ‘open and transparent’ about Estate Regeneration Fund

Want to buy this photo?

Robin Parker

Former Mayor Robin Parker is calling for Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH) to ‘be more open and transparent’ by publishing details of the funding received from the Government’s 'Estate Regeneration Fund' for College Bank and Lower Falinge.

He said: “It would be good to know specifically what the funding allocated will be used for. If RBH wish to be seen as open and transparent, then they should publish actual details with a breakdown of proposed spend.”

The Government’s 'Estate Regeneration Fund' has allocated £563,000 towards looking at improvements at College Bank and Lower Falinge with RBH being awarded £518,000 and Rochdale Borough Council £45,000.

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/109015/funding-boost-for-college-bank-and-lower-falinge

Mr Parker, who has lived at College Bank since 1989, continued: “I have owned my flat for nine-and-a-half years, with a 125-year lease. I have no intention of giving up that lease, whatever I am offered, as I intend to live out my days in this excellent, convenient property.

“I understand that in order to evict me, RBH would have to ask the Council to submit a Compulsory Purchase Order, as, having become an independent mutual, they no longer have any ability to apply for one themselves. I further understand, from discussion with senior councillors, that the Council is totally opposed to the demolition of any of the Seven Sisters, as we fondly refer to them.

“An application for listing of the whole estate has been submitted and accepted by Historic England for assessment. I await their decision with great interest.”

Mark Robinson, Assistant Director of Economy at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “RBH is currently conducting a consultation with residents on the future of Lower Falinge and College Bank. Their views will form the basis of a masterplan, which the council will consult on in due course before any formal proposals are put forward for consideration by the Council’s cabinet. All options are open at this point and ultimately any proposals for the area will be driven by the local residents.”

A spokesperson for RBH said: “We want to invest in College Bank and Lower Falinge for both current residents and future residents. The Government grant will enable us to continue our work together with local residents to develop the best possible options for each neighbourhood and to carry out more detailed studies into options and the costs of these.

“This work will include considering improvements to existing homes, potential new homes, better public areas, improved walking and cycling routes into the town centre and how best to create better opportunities for local residents.

“No decisions have been made and we continue to welcome comments and suggestions as part of our ongoing consultation process.

“We have uploaded a comprehensive set of 'frequently asked questions' to our website. We hope this answers many of the questions that residents have asked and we will be making this information available in the community as well as online.”