A ROW of derelict properties that has blighted a Radcliffe neighbourhood for years is finally being brought back into use.

The four homes, in Albion Street, Outwood, have been empty for eight years, with complaints from nearby neighbours ranging from arson and fly-tipping to anti-social behaviour.

Previous owners continually failed to bring them back into use, despite numerous attempts by Bury Council to bring about a resolution.

The council has now used Compulsory Purchase Orders to buy the properties, and is selling them to Six Town Housing – the arm’s length organisation which manages the council’s housing stock – to renovate them to be used for affordable accommodation.

The council first announced its plans to use CPOs, which allow local authorities to obtain land or property without the consent of the owner, to target empty properties in Radcliffe in 2014.

Cllr Rishi Shori, cabinet member for finance and housing, said: “It’s disgraceful that decent local residents have had to put up with all the problems that leaving empty properties to rot can cause.

“It’s been a long process, but we have finally been able to acquire these houses which will help the ongoing regeneration of Radcliffe.

"There are about 3,500 people on the council’s housing waiting list, and this is an excellent example of partnership working, bringing long-term empty properties back into use for much needed housing.”

Emma Richman, Six Town Housing’s director of assets, said: “Six Town Housing is committed to acquiring and refurbishing these four properties, which have remained a blight in the neighbourhood for several years.

"They will be transformed into decent, affordable homes to rent, supporting Bury Council’s housing strategy.”

Beverly Passmore, who lives in Albion Street, said: "We are highly delighted that after all these years they have finally managed to sort it out. It will dramatically improve the area."