HOUSEHOLDERS living in an area of south Liverpool undergoing extensive redevelopment are being given the chance to swap their current home for a brand new one. The Home Swap scheme is part of a multi-million pound masterplan for Toxteth and Granby, which includes new homes and refurbishment of derelict properties to increase the population and encourage more businesses. It is Merseyside's biggest housing demolition scheme, with almost 3,000 empty homes being cleared following a £490m award by the Government to rebuild areas which have suffered years of decline. Applicants who volunteer for Home Swap are offered a similar home a few streets outside the clearance area. Although currently a pilot programme, the scheme may be expanded as regeneration proposals for the "Welsh Streets" area proceed.. It is being run by Plus Housing Group, with funding from the Government's Neighbourhood Renewal Fund. Spokeswoman Bridget Waters said the aim of the initiative was to ensure that owner occupiers could remain in the area and benefit from the renewal that was taking place. She added: "Some homes that have been empty for a while are being renovated for people who want to purchase them, and we are also building some new properties in the area which will be shared ownership between Plus Group and people who will buy between 25 and 75%. "No-one will be worse off as a result of the swap. "The neighbourhood plans for the area are still being developed. We have an opportunity now to re-house everybody on a voluntary basis - either to enter a new home, or a home swap, or a move to another Plus Group property. "We have identified the ones we want to be cleared and are dealing with each person on an individual basis." So far only a small number of residents have been re-housed under the scheme. Among them is Kim Lowden, 43, an owner occupier in an area that could be designated for clearance, who has moved into a fully refurbished three-bedroom terrace. She said: "I'm absolutely delighted with my new home. The scheme is a brilliant idea and has allowed me stay in the area. My move has gone smoothly and I'm settling in quickly." alanweston@dailypost.co.uk | 
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