Tenants told to leave tower block 'will stay put'

Mark Slater, 74, is one of those fighting to stay in his Seven Sisters home

A group of residents who live in a landmark set of tower blocks in Rochdale have said they "will refuse to move out" of their flats despite the buildings being declared unsafe.

Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH) told tenants of the Seven Sisters apartments to leave after a structural survey highlighted electrical issues, problems with the water system and roof damage.

The social housing provider said "the long-term safety of the buildings cannot be confirmed" and residents had to be moved out.

But Mark Slater, chairman of the Campaign to Save the Seven Sisters, said many tenants would refuse as the move "suggests a pre-determined decision to demolish the buildings and we will not accept that".

Rochdale Boroughwide Housing said there are safety issues with the blocks on the College Bank estate

The seven blocks on the estate, known locally as the Seven Sisters but whose real name is College Bank, are made up of more than 700 flats and have dominated the skyline of Rochdale since they were built in the 1960s.

Hundreds of residents moved out of their flats after redevelopment plans were first announced by RBH in 2017, but around 230 of the apartments remain occupied.

Following the structural survey, RBH said the residents will need to leave before a decision is taken on whether to refurbish the blocks or demolish them.

The provider's chief executive Amanda Newton said it was "a very difficult decision that is wholly focused on ensuring the long-term safety of the customers in College Bank".

RBH has promised "tailored support" to residents to help them find new homes.

Ann Jones said she has lived on the College Bank estate in Rochdale for around 20 years.

In 2023, Rochdale Boroughwide Housing signed a deal with developer Legal & General Affordable Housing to find a viable way of refurbishing the flats but the agreement came to an end without a solution emerging.

RBH has now said their customers will be supported over the coming months with financial help, as well as assistance in finding suitable new places to live.

But Ann Jones, who has lived in Dunkirk Rise on the College Bank estate for around 20 years, said: "We're not going anywhere - we're staying put."

The 70-year-old said: "It's a comfortable flat with fantastic views and this is a despicable move that has been done to the estate."

Residents have been told they will get help finding new homes

Billy Jackson, who has lived in his flat in the Tentercroft tower block for 37 years, said moving somewhere else is "going to be an absolute nightmare".

The 72-year-old said: "It's such a lovely place to live because we're close to everything here, we've got the town centre, shopping is easy and there's no need to own a car.

"I don't want to move and I will fight like crazy to stay in my flat."

A spokesperson for Rochdale Council said: "The flats should be preserved and brought back into full use, and we will continue to press for that to happen."

Billy Jackson has lived in his flat in the Tentercroft tower block for 37 years.

Paul Waugh, the Labour MP for Rochdale, said: "I am incredibly concerned at this news, which will be very unsettling for those tenants who already feel they have spent years in a state of limbo.

"Safety is of course important, but tenants have been waiting for RBH to come up with a proper refurbishment plan for the future of their homes."