The nine Housing Market Renewal Pathfinders are welcoming the findings of a new report out today by housing and homelessness charity Shelter.

The study into the future role of the Housing Market Renewal Pathfinders has revealed that the programme urgently needs more investment to be able to complete the improvements underway in deprived neighbourhoods across the country.

Shelter's research found that Housing Market Renewal (HMR) has turned neighbourhoods around and has made marked improvements to disadvantaged communities.

It also concludes that the HMR programme has made a difference to areas experiencing deep-rooted social and economic decline and says that funding must continue in the long-term or these new housing markets may not withstand the harsh effects of the recession.

The nine HMR pathfinders were set up by the government in 2003 to tackle housing market failure in towns and cities across the North of England and the Midlands by regenerating through refurbishment, demolition and building new homes.

The programme is expected to run for 10-15 years transforming communities, meeting the aspirations of local people while attracting new residents, supporting economic growth, tackling crime and anti-social behaviour, boosting prosperity and creating opportunity.

Speaking on behalf of all the Pathfinders, Pauline Davis the Managing Director of Merseyside Pathfinder NewHeartlands said:

"We are delighted with the findings Shelter has made. At this stage of the programme we are deeply engaged with the communities within which we are working and in this difficult economic climate, we are all working hard to ensure that the momentum of the programme continues. It is imperative that we finish what we have started."

"This was always envisaged to be a long term programme and must be invested in post 2011 when our latest funding stream ends. We are constantly in discussion to ensure this is the case and welcome Shelter's support and recommendations that the Government commits to funding through the next spending review period."