More than a year to move all residents

It will take more than a year to move everyone out of the iconic Seven Sisters tower blocks in Rochdale, it has been revealed.

- BY GEORGE LYTHGOE

Seven Sisters tower blocks in Rochdale

In October, the sudden decision to move all tenants out of the high-rise flats shocked residents.

The reason behind the decision from Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH) was safety issues flagged in a recent building survey.

Initially tenants living in the blocks, actually named College Bank, thought they would be turfed out before Christmas.

RBH has now estimated the move out process for all tenants will take around 18 months, with two tenants out of 229 already gone to new accommodation. Independent experts have been undertaking safety and structural surveys to each of the seven blocks, which will inform a decision on the future of the blocks by the end of the year.

Structural and electrical issues, problems with the water pumping system, roof damage, and the ever-increasing costs for customers to heat and light their homes were all raised in the surveys.

According to RBH, a majority of the residents have been spoken to about their options going forward and will be supported to move over the coming months, with financial support offered by the social housing landlord. Leaseholders who own their own homes will have their flats bought at market value, RBH said previously.