News

| Submit CommentSubmit Comments | View CommentsView Comments(4)
TROUBLED residents ... from left, Betty Endersby, Ronny Clarkson, Marjorie Rolph, Tom Bottomley, Jack Halsworth and Elsie Halsworth
TROUBLED residents ... from left, Betty Endersby, Ronny Clarkson, Marjorie Rolph, Tom Bottomley, Jack Halsworth and Elsie Halsworth
advertisement

Pensioners are 'political pawns'

Alice McKeegan
29/ 3/2008

PENSIONERS facing eviction from their homes are claiming they’re being used as ‘political pawns’ by local councillors.

The OAPs living in the Cliff Street bungalows, in Hamer, were told in January that they could be forced out of their homes to make way for a road to the Belfield Business Neighbourhood, an enterprise zone which will house small businesses.

This week, they were stunned when they were visited by two councillors, each promising to grant the pensioners a reprieve.

However, their joy was short-lived when the council confirmed that no decisions had been made, but the controversial proposals were still expected to go ahead.

Roger Bottomley, whose 93-year-old dad, Tom, lives in one of the bungalows, was furious that the elderly residents were visited by Councillor Zulfiqar Ali and Councillor Ibrar Khan and accused political parties of using the pensioners to win votes.

He said: "The first councillor visited on Monday night and said the council didn’t even have permission to demolish the bungalows.

"The pensioners nearly held a champagne party to celebrate the news. They were as chuffed as anything and thought that they’d be able to stay in their bungalows.

"Then my father phoned me again saying another councillor had visited to say it’s a load of nonsense and they would not be granted a reprieve.

"It seems that the councillors are using dirty tricks and it’s no coincidence that they’re visiting during an election period.

"The pensioners are being used to try to win votes and it’s so disappointing."

Councillor Ibrar Khan rejected the claims, saying he was not up for election in May. He suggested that the pensioners could be rehomed locally after it was revealed that an area on the East Central Rochdale masterplan is reserved for housing.

He said: "We arranged a meeting with Rochdale Development Agency to discuss a positive way forward.

"This consultation started three years ago and since then it’s been on-going. We should be helping these residents and not trying to make it a political issue."

However, the council said that it’s still too early to say whether Cllr Khan’s suggestion would be considered.

Peter Maynard, the area renewal manager, said: "We haven’t considered in any detail what sort of housing should go in the areas marked in the masterplan.

"It is still at an early stage and the next phase will be to carry out demand studies and planning exercises.

"The requirements of the Cliff Street residents will certainly be taken into consideration and given that they are being displaced due to the regeneration plans, their views will be given due priority."

Mr Bottomley added: "The masterplan idea is interesting, but I don’t believe anything that we’re being told at the moment. The sad thing is that the pensioners are now wondering if they will die at the bungalows or die somewhere else. It’s heartbreaking."

Councillor Zulfiqar Ali, the cabinet member for housing, insisted that he was fighting to secure the future of the pensioners.

He said: "I believe that there should have been further discussion about this development with local residents and that their views should have been considered.

"I strongly urge that the bungalows should not be demolished in the first place and that Rochdale Development Agency find another link to the business park."


| Submit CommentSubmit Comments | View CommentsView Comments(4)


Most recent 2 of 4 user comments

   Once again Rochdale Council .They did the same when they allowed Guinness House to be demolished saying they were too small unlettable e.t.cand what is it now a pile of unsightly rubble.Paul Beardmore shoiuld take a good look at his concience.I was the scheme Manager at Guinness House and it was heartbreakiing and also some of the tenants moved into bedsits smaller than the ones they were in and some into bedsits when they had nice one bedroom flats and most of all were happy.i feel the housing minister should be more involved in the demolition of good housing after all they do nothing but moan there is not enough affordable housing.i was also made homeless and did not get the £4000 homeloss payment .what goes round comes round and i certainly hope it comes round to these heartless councillors and others who have evicted people out of their comfort zones in their old age when they should be able to enjoy their lives and not be put through all this stress.
VALERIE ANKERS
23/08/2008 at 00:51
   The Fib Dems are at it again making promises they wont keep. These pensioners will be rehoused. Whats the problem?
Hot Paprika, Upper Rochdale
2/04/2008 at 14:54
Have your say
 
Have your say Got an opinion you want to share?
Register now and have your comments heard.

Register now

Latest stories
 

 
Personal Finance
 

Customers with a 'good' credit profile
Company Typical APR
Platinum Exclusive Loan 7.8%
Bank of Scotland (Semi-exclusive) 8.6%
Halifax (Semi-exclusive) 8.6%
Alliance & Leicester 8.7%
Sainsbury's Personal Loan 8.9%
HASH(0x2b6014722060)
Provider AER*
ICICI BANK
HiSAVE Savings Account 		5.50%
SAINSBURYS FINANCE
Internet Saver 		4.00%
FIRST DIRECT
Everyday e-Saver 		2.75%
ALLIANCE & LEICESTER
Online Tracker 		6.00%
ABBEY
Instant Access Saver (Special Issue 2) 		6.00%
ING DIRECT
Savings Account 		6.00%
ALLIANCE & LEICESTER
eSaver - Issue 2 		6.30%
ABBEY
eSaver Direct 		6.00%
POST OFFICE
Instant Saver 		3.75%
Fees may apply