Accrington's ‘ghetto’ streets set for a revamp (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Accrington's ‘ghetto’ streets set for a revamp

9:51am Friday 13th January 2012 in Accrington By Emma Cruces, Reporter

RENTAL WORRY Homes in Augustus Street

BOARDED up properties described as a ‘ghetto’ will be transformed into smart low-carbon homes.

Plans to transform Accrington’s ‘worst streets’ in Woodnook will see houses in the Royds and Augusta Street area converted into larger family homes.

A new registered landlord will oversee tenancies in a bid to end problems with empty houses and nuisance tenants.

However ward Coun Tony Dobson said residents were concerned a number of streets had been left out.

Royds and Augusta streets plus one side of Booth Street and one side of Hudson Street will be regenerated.

But Clement, Nuttall and South streets and the opposite sides of Booth and Hudson streets are not included.

He said: “It’s also a real worry they have decided to rent them. Residents want a good proportion of owner occupiers as neighbours.

“The plan tackles the worst of the boarded up streets, but there are still other problem properties which drag the area down.”

The plan has been described by Hyndburn MP Graham Jones as ‘Accrington’s Grand Design’ as he applauded Hyndburn Council’s decision to refurbish, instead of rebuild.

He said: “This takes some of the most appaling Victorian terraced houses and looks to remodel something old into something contemporary.”

The refurbishments will see 89 traditional ‘two up two downs’ converted into 54 two, three and four-bed homes.

The plans are also aimed at making them affordable and efficient.