CRACKDOWN ON DILAPIDATED HOUSES

Following observations made by Cllr Miles Parkinson and the three Rishton Councillors during campaigning for the recent County Council elections, a concerted effort is now being made in the village to improve standards of empty private rented houses. The Deputy Leader of HBC, Cllr Clare Pritchard, visited Rishton on Tuesday 21st May and made a detailed study of the worst properties on Shuttleworth Street and Spring Street and these are now being pursued with strong enforcement notices to make them more presentable.

Although notices have previously been served on many properties throughout the village, certain landlords (particularly those from outside the area) do little or no maintenance to keep their houses in good order. Cllr Pritchard is portfolio holder for Regeneration and Housing and is currently making representations to the House of Commons to enable stronger enforcement against rogue landlords who run areas down.

The Rishton Councillors are continuing to document houses across the village but it will be a gradual process as there are so many to sort out. The worst affected area by far remains along Spring Street and so this will be the priority area.