News In The Hebden Bridge List

New Housing Projects Planned Across Calderdale

CMBC Cabinet members have approved a range of additional schemes to benefit from Private Sector Housing improvement monies.

The Council received Government funding for a programme of improvements to private sector housing between 2009 and 2011, and various projects are already underway at Aked’s Road, Harley Bank, Dudley’s Estate and Upper Parkinson Lane.

Alongside these run the ‘Assistance to Vulnerable households ’ scheme which enables improvements to individual properties in poor condition, and the ‘Affordable Warmth’ scheme which extends the availability of free loft and cavity wall insulation to all private sector residents over 60 years old, or those suffering from a cold related illness.

As progress has been made with the existing projects, there is now potential to use remaining funds for additional projects.

The new areas to benefit from funding are;

Bailiff Bridge
This area has seen investment in recent years, but a section of poor housing conditions remains at West Street and New Street. This Gateway scheme, focussing on the crossroads of Wakefield and Bradford roads, will improve the appearance of the area to those passing through, as well as making it a nicer place to live for local residents. Initial consultation work has been carried out with residents in the area who are all keen to see the neighbourhood improved.

Sowerby
There will be a smaller Gateway scheme at Sowerby, where a poor quality maisonette and parade of shops blights an otherwise attractive area. A comprehensive external improvement will be undertaken.

Halifax Ring
There will be a range of improvements to the ring of older property around Halifax, focusing initially on the Siddal area.

Councillor Ian Cooper, Portfolio Holder for Community Services:

“Key areas in need of attention have already been agreed with the West Yorkshire Housing Partnership, and these improvements are well underway.

“We now have a fantastic opportunity to target remaining funds on other areas in need of renewal.

“Fifty percent of the housing in Calderdale was built before World War One, and it’s essential that we protect Calderdale’s heritage and maintain it as a place where residents can be proud to live

“The additional projects that will be undertaken will bring about local improvement and also enhance the approach to the borough, as well as its overall appearance.”