A DEMOLITION specialist has been appointed to knock down two 1970s style rundown tower blocks in the heart of Oldham.

Crossbank House and Summervale House are to be replaced as part of First Choice Homes Oldham’s (FCHO) West Vale redevelopment project.

The organisation wants to build 90 high quality affordable homes in their place which would incorporate green technology.

And how it has appointed D Hughes, based in the town, which will carry out demolition and clearance work between May and November next year.

The housing association, in outlining the move, stated earlier it would be a “gateway” to Oldham which would offer easy access to the shops in the town centre as well as public transport.

It is investing £160m to build 850 properties in Oldham over the next six years.

Danielle Ashworth, the head of development at FCHO, said it was good to be working with a local company.

She said: “We want to support the local economy and create opportunities for people and businesses in the borough through our work

Ryan Hughes, the director of D Hughes, said it was “win-win” for the local community.

He said: “As an Oldham based company, we are delighted to be part of creating a lasting legacy in our local community.

“We look forward to working with First Choice Homes Oldham and are proud to be making the first steps on this project with the demolition of the Crossbank House and Summervale House tower blocks, which will make way for new affordable homes.

“This is an important regeneration project which will represent a win-win scenario for the local community, where people, families and businesses can thrive.

“We take great pride in embedding and maintaining the highest standards of health and safety throughout our works and in the delivery of our projects and we look forward to working with the First Choice Homes Oldham team and taking this opportunity to support our local community and businesses.”