Backing for campaign to save landmark flats

The tower blocks' owner has not ruled out demolishing them

Campaigners fighting to save Rochdale's iconic Seven Sisters tower blocks from the bulldozers have won the backing of their council and MP.

Rochdale councillors have now backed back calls for the so-called Seven Sisters blocks to be protected from demolition.

The support for the campaign came after Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH) refused to rule out razing them to the ground.

The housing association faced a backlash from the campaign group in 2017 when plans were submitted to the council to replace the four high-rises - officially known as College Bank - with new accommodation.

Last summer, an "exclusivity agreement" between RBH and Legal & General Affordable Homes (LGAH) was set up to explore refurbishment options.

But in the following 16 months the management structure of RBH changed and the agreement ended.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service said it is understood that about two thirds of the flats at Seven Sisters are unoccupied. 

RBH has vowed to improve them and get them filled.

Councillor Danny Meredith tabled a motion at the borough's latest full council meeting calling for the blocks to be protected. It was backed unanimously.

Rochdale MP Paul Waugh has also offered his support.

"I stand with residents fighting to protect their homes and community," he said.

"In the midst of a housing crisis, we cannot afford to lose a single social home.

"Done properly, these flats could be a beacon for low-carbon retrofitting and a crucial part of Rochdale's housing stock for generations to come."

The council has offered to create a joint working group and invited RBH's chief executive to present refurbishment plans.

Amanda Newton, Chief Executive at Rochdale Boroughwide Housing, said: "Once more information is available from our survey work, we will be inviting partners to join a task force to explore the available funding options.  The Council is a key partner and will be invited to join this."