Demolition not the answer
Published on 16th August 2007 in Letters
Sir - A recent television programme (Channel 4, July 30, 'Bad Housing') showed that the mistakes of the 60s and 70s are again being repeated in the current Pathfinder schemes.
Demolition was seen then to be the key to regeneration. Now commercialism is again undermining trust in governance, as well as damaging individuals, neighbourhoods, heritage, society and the planet (greenhouse gas emissions are up to nine times worse for new-build compared to refurbishment - Cambridge Architectural Research).
As every week goes by we must ask the question why is ERYC continuing to push a totally discredited policy by the demolition of Richard Cooper Street and Phoenix Street. I think we in Goole have the right to know just who is pulling the strings, and why?
Who will benefit? We, the people of Goole, certainly won't. Indeed Shuffleton is suffering badly. What we should also bear in mind is that as average house prices in current Pathfinder areas have risen by 100 per cent in the past three years, it is now being suggested that specific Government support for these once low-demand housing areas is no longer needed.
This could mean that there will be no more money forthcoming from Government sources for such projects and as ERYC has now spent most of its allotted budget on the acquisition of these properties, once again Goole could suffer at the hands of the ERYC. who seem to me to be uncaring and inefficient.
Alan Wilson
Boothferry Road, Goole