East West homes wanted for Melb's needy

The deadline to buy back homes aquired for East West Link has passed and the Victorian government is being urged to keep a social housing promise.

Monday was the last day Melburnians could opt to buy back their former homes which were acquired before the tollway project was scrapped.

The Council for Homeless Persons says about 40 homes remain in government hands, and it should make good on its promise last year to turn the properties into social housing for the needy.