The Government has launched a £140m fund to kick-start regeneration in 100 run-down estates.
It has pledged to adopt a ‘comprehensive approach’ based on a Cabinet Office commissioned report by property company Savills.
A new Estate Regeneration Advisory Panel will be set up to guide the programme, chaired by former deputy prime minister Lord Heseltine.
The scheme will either ‘radically transform’ estates or knock them down and replace them with new homes, said the Government.
Prime minister David Cameron said: ‘Within these so-called sink estates, behind front doors, families build warm and welcoming homes. But step outside in the worst estates and you’re confronted by brutal high-rise towers and dark alleyways that are a gift to criminals.
‘Decades of neglect have led to gangs and antisocial behaviour. And poverty has become entrenched, because those who could afford to move have understandably done so.’
Communities secretary Greg Clark said: ‘We know the worst estates offer huge potential to be revived so that they become thriving communities and places which people want to live and work in.
‘That’s why we’re so determined to kick-start work which will benefit the lives of thousands of people by providing high quality homes.’
