SPRING STREET DERELICTS - UPDATE

It has been reported in the Conservative newspaper In Touch which is currently being delivered across the borough that Cllr Stan Horne has managed to arrange demolition of the derelict block of terraced houses between 88 and 100 Spring Street.  Regrettably, this is far from true and negotiations are still ongoing between Hyndburn Council and the owners, with Cllr Horne taking no part in proceedings.

Cllrs Harry Grayson and Ken Moss have been holding monthly meetings regarding this with the Chief Executive of the council to try and bring about a conclusion in the swiftest manner.  Currently, the ideal solution revolves around ownership of the whole block coming to rest with one party although as it stands there are still several owners involved.  Two landlords have now sold their properties to the majority owner but negotiations with the remaining parties are far from over and in a discussion on 20th January Cllr Moss requested that another meeting was set up within a month to nudge matter along.

Whilst many have argued that the entire block requires demolition, Ken Moss remains optimistic of a regeneration programme to benefit the residents of Rishton who want to get on the property ladder.  Preliminary plans have been drawn up to rebuild the houses which would then provide a gateway to a new development of canalside apartments on the site of Britannia Mill.

A resolution to the problem still looks to be at least a year off although concerted efforts are now being made by Cllrs Grayson and Moss to bring things to a conclusion as soon as possible.