RUN-down housing in Radcliffe needs the same attention that is planned for East Bury, according to Councillor Tony Isherwood.

He said: "A few years ago, we carried out group repair schemes for houses in Pine Street, Jones Street, William Street and Butterworth Street.

"We put in new windows and improved the brick work and fencing. It made a massive improvement, but then the group repair scheme stopped."

Coun Isherwood, a representative for Radcliffe Central Ward, spoke out at last week's meeting of Radcliffe Area Board.

He was prompted by a report about the borough's draft private sector housing renewal assistance policy which included details of improvement plans for private properties in East Bury.

"Radcliffe needs it just as much," said Coun Isherwood. "We have really bad problems with private-sector housing in some areas of this town.

"The problem is that houses get in to a poor state of repair, people move out and then the properties are bought by private landlords, some of whom aren't fussy about who they rent them out to and are only interested in making a profit."

The draft policy will go to executive on March 19 for consideration and formal adoption, and Coun Isherwood is hoping that problem housing in Radcliffe is not overlooked. The policy proposes to give financial assistance via such things as renovation grants, home repairs assistance, private landlord assistance and empty property initiatives.

It aims to reduce the number of unfit and empty properties and improve standards in privately rented properties.

By improving and increasing the availability and attractiveness of housing, it is hoped the borough will become a more vibrant place to live.