Occupying one of Rochdale’s most enviable plots – and surrounded by some of the borough’s most impressive houses – sits a dilapidated bungalow that was once considered to be the “dream home”.
But sadly, it’s never been lived in.
The bungalow – situated on the western shore of Littleborough’s Hollingworth Lake – was built in 1998 by retired couple Dr. Stephen Watkins and his wife Elizabeth, who wanted somewhere to relax after their stressful working lives.
The couple never disclosed how much they spent on the building, but it included a bespoke library, so you can bet it probably set them back a fair bit.
However, the property has remained unfinished due to “issues during the construction”.
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The “dream home” overlooks Littleborough’s Hollingworth Lake / Credit: Google Maps
Its sad history has even been cited at Westminster as an example of what can go wrong for people who build their own homes.
Since 2001, the property has been the subject of a lengthy legal battle over the quality of the building work and its safety for occupation. It finally came to an end in December 2018 after two decades’ of disputes – first with the firm that built the property, and then with the National House Building Council (NHBC) which they had taken out a ‘Buildmark’ warranty and insurance policy.
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Finally, the claim – involving surveyors and the financial ombudsman – was settled, and the sum paid out by the NHBC was enough to finish the property. Unfortunately in December 2018, the Watkins found out that Rochdale Borough Council wanted to CPO (Compulsory Purchase Order) the bungalow.
Rochdale Borough Council has described the bungalow as a “blight on the borough”, and said it believes the property “detracts from its surroundings and spoils the outlook”.
And now, two years later, this CPO has been successful.
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The home was built in 1998 by retired couple Dr. Stephen Watkins and his wife Elizabeth
A planning application has now been submitted to “finally remove the unoccupied bungalow from the shores of Hollingworth Lake” and build two detached, four / five bedroom houses on its site, with off-road parking for three or four cars.
The design and access statement reads: “They are large, detached houses, on good sized plots, which reflects the existing character of Lake Side.
“They would benefit from adequate parking and amenity and, as such, would not represent overdevelopment of the site.
“The proposals would also provide an additional, new dwelling in this attractive location.”
Family of 21-year-old Lewis Durham pay tribute to ‘fun-loving character’ tragically killed in traffic collision
Danny Jones
The family of 21-year-old Lewis Durham who was tragically killed in a traffic collision last week have paid tribute to the “fun-loving character” and young man who had “the world at his feet”.
Lewis Durham and two other people were involved in the crash on 13 April, which saw the young man and another male on the back of his bike collide with a car on Ormskirk Road in Wigan around 7:15pm.
Durham, from the town of Workington in West Cumbria, was sadly declared dead at the scene and his 56-year-old passenger, who was also thrown from the bike, unfortunately passed away from his injuries after being rushed to hospital.
The driver of the vehicle, a 41-year-old male, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless driving and causing serious injury following the incident. He has since been released on bail.
#TRIBUTE | The family of Lewis Durham have paid tribute to their ‘loving son, grandson, and little brother’.
Lewis Durham, aged 21, sadly died after a road traffic collision on Ormskirk Road in Wigan.
Writing in their emotional tribute via Greater Manchester Police, the Durham family wrote: “It is with great sadness that Lewis has been so tragically taken away from us. He sadly passed away in a road traffic accident in Wigan on Saturday 13th April.
“The youngest in our family with the world at his feet. He’s left a huge hole in our family, our hearts are absolutely broken. He was always a happy, fun-loving character, who had everything going for him in life, loved by everyone and had the best of friends. A loving son, grandson, and little brother.
“We’d like to thank the emergency services and people who assisted him at the scene who comforted him in maybe his last moments. We’ll cherish every memory we have of you, Lewis.
“We’re all beyond proud of you and will miss and love you forever. You’re now the brightest star in the sky Lewis. Love you forever and always Mam, Dad, Grandma, Granda, Nana, and your two big sisters.”
Our thoughts are with Lewis’ loved ones during this difficult time. A GoFundMe has now been set up by his best mate Leo McMullen to help “raise some money to give to charity and mark his memory”. It has already surpassed its £3k target, with over £11,000 raised across 600+ donations.
It’s been an emotional couple of weeks for the Wigan community also, as locals and the rugby league world at large united in mourning the loss of 21-year-old Gabriel Holt earlier this month.
Featured Images — Greater Manchester Police/DPP Law (via Flickr)
UK News
Former Rochdale and Man United academy product Joe Thompson diagnosed with cancer for the third time
Danny Jones
In a gut-wrenching bit of news, former Rochdale AFC player and Manchester United academy product Joe Thompson has sadly been diagnosed with cancer for the third time.
Sharing the heartbreaking update on Friday, 12 April, Thompson, who previously represented the likes of Bury FC, Tranmere Rovers, Carlisle United, the 35-year-old has revealed that the recurring Stage 4 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma has now spread to his lungs.
The ex-Dale midfielder also secured loan spells at Wrexham and Southport around a decade ago, but the cancer diagnosis tragically derailed his time at both clubs.
He ultimately decided to call time on his footballing career back in 2019 and after having twice recovered from the disease, he is now facing his third battle against cancer. Giving a moving interview with BBC Sport Manchester, he said explaining it to his kids has been the hardest part.
“The conversations are just difficult.”
Former footballer Joe Thompson has revealed his cancer has come back.
He’s told BBC Radio Manchester what it’s been like sharing the news with his children.
Joe Thompson speaks candidly about his third cancer diagnosis.
The father of two also sat down with his old club Man United, who came through the academy ranks alongside the likes of Tom Cleverley, Danny Drinkwater and more, confessing, “I don’t think you could walk this road alone”.
Thompson went on to say: “It’s far from ideal but I know that the support is here from the club. My family are imperative in my life and they are constantly helping me at the moment.
“I feel like once I have voiced it and got it off my chest, I don’t feel as suffocated as I felt. Obviously, bringing it to the football audience I am hoping that the support will be there as it has been not once, but twice before.”
He also stressed the importance of raising awareness, especially given this is his third stroke of misfortune, adding: “There are constant reminders and from the support you get, there are positive stories, so I feel morally obliged to be one of those that do that.”
The Thompson family have now set up a fundraising page, the description of which calls his story one of “resilience and hope”. We think that’s putting it lightly.
Reflecting on how his illness has already overshadowed his time as a father far too much, he explained that he is working with oncologists and scientists and “self-funding research to uncover the root cause of my recurring illness.”
With that in mind, the GoFundMe is as much about cancer research as a whole as it is. Having barely been up for a few hours, nearly 500 people have already donated, putting a huge £35,000+ dent in their total target of £250k. You can donate HERE.
Emily Sergeant -
27th May 2021 
