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Young people make plea to Minister for more modern homes

Date published: 17 December 2007

Young people from Rochdale and Oldham made a heart-felt appeal to a Government Minister for more new homes, saying the lack of housing choice could drive them from their towns.

During his visit to the Oldham Rochdale Housing Market Renewal Pathfinder, Under Secretary of State at the Department for Communities and Local Government, Iain Wright MP, met with a number of young people who gave their views on the future.

Laura Cassidy, 24, a teacher from Rochdale, recently bought a home, but still sees the need for new housing as a priority: "There is currently a shortage of new, affordable homes. We took out a higher mortgage than we wanted on an older property, because the option wasn’t there. I think the regeneration should spread to more areas."

Karolyn Judge, 23, a reporter from Royton who graduated two years ago, said: "I still live with my parents at the moment, but would like my own place, however I’d want a modern apartment.

"There has to be more choice to keep young people like me leaving for Manchester and other areas. Obviously work is a big factor when making a decision to move, but I would be prepared to commute if I had a modern home in Oldham because I’d still be close to family and friends."

Afsha Bano, 25, a psychology lecturer, currently on maternity leave, from Werneth in Oldham, said: "I’m currently living with family, but when I do buy my own place I want it to be of a really high quality. I have to admit that we have been thinking about moving, but my husband has recently opened up a barber shop in Werneth so it makes sense to stay. We are fully behind the regeneration of the area because we can see the benefits and want to be a part of it."

The minister toured a number of key sites across both boroughs where the Pathfinder and its development partners are building new housing to increase the choice of homes and range of tenures on offer.