Residents resume homes battle

A determined group of Derker residents will go into battle again today to save their terrace homes from demolition.

They will attempt to convince the Court of Appeal that the result of the public inquiry into the Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) on their homes was flawed.

Six residents, including Derker Action Group chairman Maureen Walsh, will hear lawyers making legal arguments about the CPO which was confirmed in April, 2007.

Their homes are in the Housing Market Renewal (HMR) area, where hundreds of houses are being purchased and demolished to make way for new development.

Although it was granted two years ago, the compulsory purchase power has never been used — most residents in the area have moved out by agreement, with 430 households out of 468 voluntarily selling their homes to Oldham Council.

Another 18 are still negotiating to sell.

There are plans to build 100 new homes on London Road, by developer Bellway, and 40 more on Acre Lane, by Gleeson Regeneration, depending on the outcome of the appeal.

As she packed her bags to set off for London Mrs Walsh, of London Road, said: “It is heart-wrenching to see what is happening to people around you.”

The appeal is expected to take a day-and-a-half.