Flats come down to make way for 36 new homes
PLANS to revive Beechtrees in Skelmersdale have taken a big step forward with demolition work starting on empty flats.
West Lancashire Borough Council’s Beechtrees Revival Scheme will bring a host of improvements to the street in Digmoor, including 36 homes being built.
This represents significant extra investment in the project, as the original plans included 14 homes.
The 22 extra homes will be built on land where the council is demolishing nine blocks of flats and four houses.
People who were living in the flats have found alternative accommodation, with help from the council where required.
Preparatory work for the demolition, including disconnecting water and electricity supplies, have been taking place over recent months.
Council contractors arrived on Beechtrees on Monday, October 9 to start internal works needed before the flats can be knocked down.
It is expected demolition will be completed in about three months.
Building work on the new homes is due to start next year, once all the planning permissions have been obtained.
These homes will represent the third new batch of council housing provided in recent years and the council is looking at opportunities to build additional homes in the future.
Other improvements planned for the flats that will remain on Beechtrees will include new kitchens, bathrooms and heating, as well as replacement windows and doors.
Cllr Jennifer Forshaw, who is the portfolio holder for housing and landlord services, said: “I am really pleased that work to demolish the empty flats and houses on Beechtrees has begun, making way for new houses.
“Revitalising our estates and improving homes are key priorities in the council plan, and this demolition work represents a significant step forward for the Beechtrees Revival Scheme.”