Atherton House to be demolished after £750,000 roofing quote (From Leigh Journal)

Atherton House to be demolished after £750,000 roofing quote

7:20am Tuesday 5th March 2013 in News

A SHELTERED housing complex which needs roof repairs estimated at three quarters of a million pounds will be demolished and its tenants rehoused.

Atherton House in Car Bank Square, Hag Fold estate, Atherton is home to 10 residents but the decision to knock it down has been taken because Wigan Council said the property requires immediate roof repairs costing £750,000 and other internal work.

Last summer Atherton House was put under review along with similar schemes in Bryn and Worsley Mesnes. The 13 residents of Walkden House and 28 at Brackley House will remain in those properties, with further reviews taking place periodically, or when major expenditure is required.

Peter Layland, Wigan Council’s head of housing and regeneration, said: “We have discussed with the tenants the options available, listening and responding to their comments and suggestions. It is always regrettable to have to move people from their homes and it is not something we undertake lightly, however, there was agreement between all parties that repairing the Atherton House scheme is not feasible, given the extent of works required and the small number of units in the scheme.”

Clr Chris Ready, housing champion, said: “We are committed to supporting vulnerable people in our communities and will be offering the ten tenants from Atherton House priority housing in the area of their choice.

“There are plans to develop around 250 new council homes over the next few years. This will include state-of-the-art specialist housing to provide better accommodation for older people."