THE LONG awaited regeneration and widening of Liverpool’s Edge Lane has been given the go ahead, after the government confirmed a compulsory purchase order to force homeowners to sell up.

National regeneration agency English Partnerships, along with partners including Liverpool City Council and Liverpool Vision, has welcomed the decision to confirm the CPO that was made for Edge Lane West in July 2007.

Currently almost 90% of the properties concerned are either already in public ownership or are in the process of acquisition.

There will now be a six-week period during which a challenge to the decision to confirm the order may be lodged with the High Court.

Eliot Lewis-Ward, English Partnerships’ area director for Merseyside and Cheshire, said: "The regeneration of the Edge Lane corridor remains of critical importance for Liverpool and the wider region, and will deliver significant housing, employment and environmental benefits for the community.

"We are pleased that a decision has been made that will help us to respond to the community’s wishes for a comprehensive approach to transform the area."

This was the second CPO to be made by English Partnerships for Edge Lane West.

The first CPO, confirmed by the Secretary of State in February 2006, was challenged in the High Court and was quashed in November 2006 due to a legal technicality.

Liverpool Council leader Warren Bradley said: "The overwhelming majority of residents in this area have supported the plans to regenerate the Edge Lane area and they will welcome this decision whole-heartedly.

"We would hope that this scheme, which will revitalise this neighbourhood, can now make progress without any further delays."

The Edge Lane scheme will see the widening of the key route to the M62, new homes, a community health facility, reuse of a listed church and new public realm.

Jim Gill, Chief Executive of Liverpool Vision, said: "Regeneration work along the rest of the Edge Lane corridor is progressing well and is already bringing economic and community benefits.

"This positive decision will enable completion of the remaining areas, to the ultimate benefit of local people and the city as a whole."