Community enjoys a new lease of life
FAMILIES living next to the final row of derelict houses in a multi-million pound regeneration project say they will be glad to finally see them demolished.
The properties in Oxford Road, Fegg Hayes will be bulldozed over the next few weeks as part of a scheme to transform the area.
Keepmoat Homes will build 89 new houses at the £2 million Fegg Hayes Village development on land next to Oxford Road, Johnson Place and Fegg Hayes Road.
The development is being delivered in partnership with Staffordshire Housing Association and Stoke-on-Trent City Council.
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Lorna Wright, aged 26, lives opposite the remaining derelict houses in William Terrace.
She said: "I've lived here for about two years now and the houses are a bit of an eyesore.
"I think it's a good thing that they're getting rid of them because we've had trouble with vandals in the empty buildings.
"They're not very safe standing empty, particularly because there are a lot of children and older people living around here.
"We don't need people starting fires and smashing glass near our homes."
A consultation was carried out with the community, including a number of open days where ideas were taken for the design of the scheme.
Raymond Garner, aged 77, has lived in Fegg Hayes for more than 50 years.
He said: "The proposals seemed very good and I don't think anyone here was sorry to see the old buildings bulldozed."
A total of 40 'sub-standard' properties have already been bulldozed.
The new site will be renamed Chatterley Heights.
The mini-estate will consist of two-bedroom bungalows and two and three bedroom houses, which will be sold.
It will also contain two-bedroom bungalows, four-bedroom houses and two-bedroom apartments, which will be owned and managed by the Staffordshire Housing Association for affordable rent.
The first 65 houses are currently being built on the site.
Margaret Ferneyhough, aged 61, lives on East Terrace, which backs directly onto a development of new homes.
She believes the work will benefit the community.
She said: "They seem like lovely new homes that are much safer than what was previously there.
"Although they block a bit of my view, they have made the area much quieter and we have far less trouble from vandals in the empty houses.
"They should bring a lot of new families to the area, which will be brilliant for the people of Fegg Hayes.
"We're all really looking forward to seeing the finished product."
Paul Degg, regional managing director for Keepmoat, said: "It's a very exciting time for people in the area with new homes finally being built after years of waiting.
"All the properties are set at affordable prices and we are delighted that we are already seeing a lot of interest from local house hunters.
"This is a major part of plans to breathe new life into the Fegg Hayes area and help to establish a thriving community for generations to come."
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