'We fear being made homeless in town revamp'

Residents in central Blackpool are worried about a council plan to demolish about 400 properties, which are no longer fit for purpose, and replace them with up to 230 new homes.

Blackpool Council was awarded the funding from the government two years ago to transform a large area of the Revoe ward, off Central Drive by knocking down "poor housing" and replacing the stock with new homes.

The authority said it is holding drop-in sessions and door to door calls to make sure people know what is happening.

On Thursday residents gathered for a public meeting to discuss their concerns, where Alan Jones, who has lived in Revoe for 30 years, said the scheme is "diabolical".

The council "has not given any information whatsoever," he said.

"At the very beginning they told us there would be no compulsory purchases and it was a 10-year plan.

"Then I read online the council has passed it for compulsory purchase and they're not making any provisions for new accommodation, so basically they're making everybody homeless."

The scheme is part of a major regeneration of one of the oldest parts of the town, but some residents do not want to leave, and others claim the council has not given them enough information.

The Reverend Matt Lockwood, from Beacon Church and Revoe Together, said many of his congregation are facing "confusion, fear and not knowing what's going to happen".

"We agree that regeneration is a good thing, but the point is how is it done, for who and what is the purpose?," he said.

"We want regeneration to be done with and for the people of Revoe, and at this moment in time that is not the case.

"There has been no consultation about whose homes are going to be knocked down and a lot of people are trying to make sense of this."

Resident Tyler Winston said the fact she "doesn't know what's happening" makes her feel "anxious" and she has "no idea" what she will do.

"I've been here for two years and I've got to know all the neighbours," she said. "It's quite a tight-knit community so it's really nice.

"There's a lot of families round here. There's a lot of elderly couples, so I imagine it's really difficult for a lot of of people."

But Peter O'Dee, who owns a shop in Revoe, said the area "wants regenerating" as "it's terrible".

"All the houses are full of damp, they're over 100 years old," he said.

"The council's promised for years and years to regenerate this area, so to demolish it all, blow it up, is the best thing they can do."

A council spokesman said: "People in Blackpool deserve better quality housing, but a lot of the properties in this part of central Blackpool are in a poor condition and not good enough.

"There are some well looked after homes, but there are many, particularly in the private rented sector, where renovation is not realistic.

"Nobody should be concerned about being made homeless.

"We're telling all landlords to support tenants to find somewhere suitable and affordable to live and keep them updated on the process of them selling the property.

"If people are concerned, then we will support them to find somewhere else."

Council leader Lynn Williams has previously said: "Our goal in the long term is to create new neighbourhoods that not only provide quality housing but also encourage private sector development and investment.

"Our team have invited those that are directly affected to drop-in events to talk through any anxieties they may have."

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