Popley says goodbye to local eyesore

POPLEY RESIDENTS have seen their wishes come true this week after workmen began demolishing a block of flats that has become a magnet for antisocial behaviour.

Demolition experts moved in on Wednesday to start bulldozing the unpopular block of flats in Longfellow Parade on the Popley Poets estate, heralding the start of the final phase of a £15m community regeneration project.

The block of 50 flats and three shops was until recently home to the local One Stop convenience store, but since Sentinel Housing Association relocated the branch to a prime site off Shakespeare Road, the landlord’s contractors Mansell have been preparing the site for safe demolition.

Tremendous improvement

Sentinel’s Chief Executive Martin Nurse said: “We’re very pleased to see the final phase of this regeneration project get underway. We’ve worked closely with local residents over the last 18 months to keep disruption to a minimum and although this is a lengthy project,it will be a tremendous improvement for the community and the people living here.

“We’ve had really positive feedback from everyone who has moved into new homes in Marlowe Close and Shakespeare Road, and the newly located One Stop shop is already seeing an increase in trade. This final phase will provide a further 42 affordable homes for local people and a big step forward for Popley residents.”

Basingstoke & Deane Cabinet member for housing and health, Cathy Osselton, added: “I am delighted to see Longfellow Parade Phase three, the final phase of this regeneration project, get underway. This scheme will improve the quality of life for so many people in the area with new accommodation and better local amenities. This is a positive step forward for the borough and our housing partners.

"I would welcome more areas of housing regeneration within the borough and will continue speaking to our housing partners on this subject."

Mansell managing director Guy Hayward added: “We are delighted to be working with our partner Sentinel Housing Association in delivering the final phase of the Popley regeneration scheme at Longfellow Parade. This follows the successful delivery of shared ownership and general needs rented properties in the first two phases.”