Ten-Year £50million Housing Plan agreed for Moss Side

12.21.23pm UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 16th Feb 2005

Rusholme Councillor Paul Shannon, who is Manchester Liberal Democrat Housing Spokesperson, is backing today's decision to create a Housing Renewal Area in Moss Side and parts of Fallowfield and Rusholme.

Cllr Shannon today spoke in favour of the proposals at the top-level Executive meeting.

"This is great news for Moss Side!," he said. "Nearly a quarter of homes surveyed in Moss Side are unfit for human habitation, with disrepair and dampness rife. The Renewal Area will attract more funding to Moss Side and Rusholme and help bring housing up-to-scratch".

Residents who responded to the consultation have asked for more green space in the area, more facelift schemes for local terraces, and more larger family homes. They are also concerned about crime, and want the Council and Police to do more to tackle Anti- Social Behaviour.

"This is a ten-year plan that could see up to £50 million being invested in Moss Side," said Councillor Shannon.

Manchester's Liberal Democrat Councillors are also calling on the Council to confirm that the investment already made in Moss Side's housing has been effective.

"We need a report to make sure that public funds are well spent. Millions of pounds of taxpayers' funds have already been invested in privately-owned housing in Moss Side."

"Before ploughing in millions more, it's commonsense to check that what we've already spent has brought concrete improvements and helped sustain communities," he concluded.

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