Hands off our homes, residents in pathfinder areas tell inquiry

Changing market conditions mean pathfinders should call a halt to large-scale clearance programmes, pressure groups told a new parliamentary inquiry into the market renewal programme this week.

Campaigners from Merseyside and Lancashire, along with pressure group Save Britain’s Heritage, claimed the recent upturn in the housing market has led to renewed interest in many areas earmarked for demolition – and the emphasis should now be on refurbishment rather than replacement.

Speaking at the ODPM select committee’s inquiry into the pathfinders on Tuesday, Adam Wilkinson, secretary of Save Britain’s Heritage, said that in visits to three pathfinder areas – Merseyside, East Lancashire and North Staffordshire – he had found only one area, in Burnley Wood, where large-scale demolition should seriously be considered.

He said: “I think the evidence [behind the programme] is now dated. In Liverpool the housing process has changed enormously and people are moving back into the city centre.”

Sylvia Wilson, from a residents’ group in Whitefield, Lancashire, said: “No one has the right to take our homes, the roof over our heads, away from us against our will.”

But pathfinder representatives argued that rising house prices in the regions are disguising problems of low demand. Peter Bounds, chair of pathfinder Renew North Staffordshire, said: “People are talking about a great demand for these properties. That isn’t our experience at all.”

Jo Boaden, director of pathfinder Bridging Newcastle Gateshead, said consultation was key. “We’re absolutely committed to working with local people to engage them in our plans.”

Eight of the nine pathfinders have received funding from the ODPM and started two-year programmes. The remaining pathfinder, Hull East Riding, is still negotiating with the ODPM but chief executive Bob Pringle told the inquiry he is now “confident” of reaching agreement at the end of this month.