First Choice Homes Oldham has appointed John Southworth Builders Ltd to complete 30 affordable one and two-bed flats at Shaw Street, Royton, in a £3.7 million project.

The provider ended its contract with the original developer in June this year after unacceptable delays to a scheme that should have finished in 2024.

John Southworth surveyed the building and outside areas after concerns about earlier work, finding substantial construction still outstanding, defects to correct and design elements needing attention to meet building regulations.

The contractor will be on site in the coming weeks, with completion scheduled for the end of July next year.

Andy Ewart, executive director of corporate services and deputy chief executive, said: "We'd like to reassure colleagues and residents, our customers and stakeholders in Royton that we are progressing this delayed project and it will be finished."

He said the issues meant work could not pick up where the previous contractor stopped, and had to be corrected so the building could be finished safely and certified.

"We share the frustration about the length of time this development has taken but we now have a contractor, a detailed plan and visible progress will soon be seen on site," he added.

Robwood Construction Limited was appointed in May 2022, with completion due in February 2024. The provider said poor contractor performance led to the contract being ended.