We’re last couple standing on England’s ‘most deprived’ estate – we refuse move out for the bulldozers

THE last couple left standing on England’s “most deprived” estate vow they’ll never leave – despite flats being demolished around them. Andy Roche, 51, and his partner have lived on the Lower Falinge estate in Rochdale, Greater Manchester, since 1998. Andy Roche is the last man standing on Lower Falinge Estate, Rochdale Credit: Steve Allen Rochdale Boroughwide Housing want to renovate the area Credit: Steve Allen But large parts of it have already been knocked down or are earmarked for demolition because Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH), the estate’s social landlord, want to renovate the area. RBH want to build 270 new homes, claiming the 1970s buildings are no longer fit for purpose and have sat empty and crumbling for some time. Sign up for the Money newsletter Thank you! In 2013, the estate was named the most deprived area in England for the fifth year in a row and since then many residents have chosen to relocate. Andy and his partner, who both have autism, are the only occupiers in seven blocks containing 128 flats – but they refuse to move out and lose the “sense of community”. Andy and his partner have lived on the estate since 1998 Credit: Steve Allen Andy does not want to lose the ‘sense of community’ Credit: Steve Allen Andy said their ground-floor flat is more suited to their needs and believes the estate has a long-term future, despite RBH’s determination to press ahead with regeneration plans. The 51-year-old said: “We’ve been told that the blocks are ‘end of life’. But that’s not true because there were originally 27 blocks and RBH isn’t planning to demolish them all. “Some will stay up, so we’ve asked them explicitly what’s the difference between our block and the ones they want to keep. “But RBH won’t say. If they were ‘end of life’ they’d be demolishing them all.” Most read in Money Andy added that the company has offered the couple a handful of alternative housing options, but none of them offer him as much as his current flat. He said: “People think there are lovely new places we can go to but that’s just not true. The new builds look lovely from the outside but they’re tiny on the inside. In 2013, the estate was named the most deprived area of England Credit: Steve Allen Andy said his ground-floor flat is better suited to the couple’s needs Credit: Steve Allen “We’ve got specific needs because of our disabilities and they don’t meet those needs. We can’t go somewhere that’s not suitable – it would be devastating for my partner.” Andy said he successfully sought a judicial review last year preventing the block from being demolished, but RBH are set to announce further plans later this year. But he admits daily life can feel “bad”, with many boarded-up windows covered in graffiti and no neighbours to chat with. He says his mental health has suffered and because his flat is now “isolated” and “vulnerable”, and feels more at risk of crime. “Before, I used to leave my door unlocked and never had any fear of any problems,” he said. “That was one of the good things about living on the estate. But I’ve had to lock it more recently because we’ve had people banging on the door.” He’s among a group of residents who believe the existing flats could be retrofitted rather than demolished, and have presented a plan with the support of the Greater Manchester Tenants Union. The 51-year-old said: “We’ve come up with a community plan and the cheaper option would be to refurbish. “The council is on our side because the number of new homes will be fewer than what exists now. “We haven’t lost hope and will fight on, but it will be difficult. We just feel RBH isn’t listening to us. They don’t want to hear what the community thinks.” He said the area has retained a sense of community, despite so many homes lying empty. Andy added: “The estate has been destroyed. There’s a great sense of community, especially when there’s families around. “It’s both vibrant and peaceful. There’s never been much violence or antisocial behaviour.” Andy is now waiting to see RBH’s latest plans before deciding what action to take. He said: “We don’t trust them. They could get an outline planning application and just sell the land. “At the moment, this is all social housing but there’s no guarantee that will be the case in the future.” A RBH spokesperson said: “We understand this is a very difficult situation for the customers involved, and we have been and will continue to work with them and their representatives to support them with finding a new home that meets their needs. “The regeneration of Lower Falinge has been in progress over several years, in consultation with residents throughout. “The seven blocks identified for demolition have been empty for several years and have reached the end of their life and can no longer provide the safe, warm homes our customers want and need to life healthy lives. “We remain absolutely committed to supporting the one remaining household to move into suitable alternative accommodation. “Since June 2025, we have made five offers of new homes, including properties within Lower Falinge and nearby. We will continue to provide tailored practical and financial support throughout the move alongside our partners.” Comment now