The Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) visited Bury to see the first four empty properties that have been brought back into use by Bury Council and Six Town Housing as affordable housing for rent.

They had a look at the works that have been carried out on empty properties on Six Town estates in Radcliffe and Prestwich and to commend Bury on the successful delivery of the first year of a three-year Government-funded programme.

-- Advertisement --

The new homes will provide additional housing for the borough’s residents that are on the housing waiting list, and they will be occupied soon.

The council and STH are now busy working on identifying and purchasing properties for the second year of the delivery programme.

Councillor Rishi Shori, cabinet member for adult care, health and housing, said: "It's good news for Bury to see the first few homes that have stood empty for an average of two years brought into use for much needed housing.

"A lot of hard work has gone into making this happen which will continue for the next two years through this HCA-funded programme. It's also great to see that local young people through the council's Backing Young Bury scheme have also worked on the empty properties and learned new skills that should support their route to employment."

(CD/JP)