Communities given helping hand to recycle buildings

The Communities secretary has unveiled plans to support local people in recycling public buildings such as post offices and schools.

From today, Hazel Blears says it will be easier for local people to take on local buildings, with the introduction of a new Asset Transfer Unit to give people the information they need to negotiate around planning, legal and financial barriers.

Included in the governments 'empowerment agenda', the launch of a new advice line (0845 345 4564) was announced, as well as help to allow communities to take control of public assets.

Ms Blears said: "Local people have been leading a revolution to recycle buildings for the community, particularly during the downturn.

"We want to help more local people get their hands on local buildings so they can put them to work for the community. For too long, too many have not even seen it as an option. And when they have it has felt like an endurance test."

The ownership of specific types of buildings is broad, from community centres to toilet blocks! Today's announcement comes as a part of the Quirk Review 2007, to make better use of public assets through community ownership.