HOMES in part of Nelson have been left in ‘slum’ conditions after missing out on housing renewal grants, a councillor claims.

People living in Lonsdale Street, Smith Street, Whitehall Street and Belgrave Street have gradually seen their homes deteriorate, despite millions of pounds being invested in the town, says Labour's Sheena Dunn.

But the claim has sparked a row with fellow Southfield councillor Sonia Robinson, a Liberal Demo-crat, who insists that a raft of schemes have been introduced to benefit the blighted area.

Coun Dunn said that in the likes of Lonsdale Street, there were a number of boarded-up properties and homes which landlords had been left to rot.

She said: “There is widespread fly-tipping and something needs to be done.

“I am asking the leader of the council for his assurances that measures will be taken to alleviate the slum conditions in Southfield and bring new investment to the area.”

Council leader Mike Blomeley said: “I would be happy to meet her in this area of Southfield to look at the problems better and see what can be done.”

But Coun Robinson, a former housing regeneration cabinet member, said significant progress had already been made on housing across the Nelson ward.

“This would have been explained to Coun Dunn had she chosen to attend a council meeting last week where this was outlined,” she added.

Council officials produced a report for the housing regeneration committee last month out-lining the success of a landlord licensing scheme in another part of Southfield, which had helped to improve private rented homes.

Fifty-two improvement notices were sent out to landlords regarding sub-standard properties, and 34 have since been upgraded, with work ongoing at 11 more homes.