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The area covers mainly pre 1919 terraced properties in Winford Street, Princedom Street, Simister Street, Elsie Street and Sequoia Street off Ashley lane on the access route to the Moston campus of MANCAT.

The neighbourhood has been falling into decline since the mid 90s resulting in high vacancy levels which have led to dereliction. Of the 59 dwellings, 37 have been deemed unfit for human habitation, 22 are fit and 35 are vacant.

Problems include structural instability, disrepair, dampness, inadequate lighting, heating, ventilation or water supply, poor cooking, bathing and toilet facilities, and defective drainage.

Consultation with residents and property owners has revealed general support for the demolition programme although some owner occupiers and landlords have strong objections to the plans.

Representations were received from 16 people. Ten of these supported clearance and six were against. Among the responses were six from people living in the area. Four supported clearance and two were against.

Council officials will now attempt to negotiate the purchase of the properties by agreement with the owners. Failure to strike a deal will result in compulsory purchase orders (CPO) being issued forcing owners to sell.

Relocation grants of up to ?20,000 will be made to owner occupiers and rehousing will be provided to those who need it.

The scheme is likely to be spread over a number of years starting after March 2002 when the costs will be met from the council's private-sector housing budget.

Manchester City Council's housing director Steve Rumbelow justified pulling down good homes alongside derelict and unfit properties.

He said: "The removal of the unfit properties alone would give cause for concern in respect of the structural stability of the buildings left standing and the isolation of individual properties.

"Given the mixture of fit and unfit dwellings, it is considered that clearance of all the buildings is the most appropriate way forward. Owners of the affected buildings will receive market value compensation be their properties fit or unfit."