THE Poulton area of Morecambe is set for a multi-million pound makeover. The ambitious regeneration scheme will include measures to tackle poor housing and unemployment in an area with some of the worst social problems in Lancashire. Poulton ward is to be targeted as a housing renewal area in a scheme which will mirror the £20 million that has been pumped into regenerating the West End.

As well as creating decent homes in the oldest part of Morecambe, a renewal area will involve dealing with empty commercial property, improving the environment and creating open space.

Ward councillor, Terrie Metcalfe, said: "A renewal area is just what is needed in Poulton. I know only too well the poor conditions in which some people have to live. I have been pressing for this ever since I was first elected."

Housing chief, Cllr Ian Barker, said: "Poulton contains some of the worst housing conditions in the district. We have been able to make a real difference in the West End by declaring a renewal area, we aim to do the same in central Morecambe. The task will be a difficult one. Not only will we have to tackle squalid bedsits and turn them into decent homes, we also have to deal with many empty or derelict commercial and public buildings."

Council Leader, Stanley Henig: added: "This is a long term commitment by the council involving major expenditure over ten years. Such investment in badly needed in Poulton."

Next week planners look set to give Home Housing Association permission to demolish derelict buildings and garages to build 34 new homes on the site of the former Morecambe market.

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