MP Chris Webb raises concerns over plans to demolish hundreds of homes

Blackpool South MP Chris Webb has added his voice to concerns about plans to demolish hundreds of homes in the town’s deprived Revoe area.

The MP made his views clear in the wake of criticism of the plans by Blackpool Council to bulldoze up to 400  predominantly terraced houses off Central Drive.

The Labour council says the plans are part of a vital £90million regeneration scheme to replace poor quality housing.

But critics, including local minister Rev Mattew Lockwood, say many of the homes could not be classed as poor houing and residents are a ngry and frightened at the thought of having to leave.

Labour MP Mr Webb acknowledged that regeneration was needed, but said people should not be “treated as obstacles to progress.”

He said: “It’s clear that Revoe and the Central Drive area is in need of regeneration and if done properly it will improve housing quality, health outcomes and provide opportunity.

“I support the ambition to improve and create a more sustainable future for this long neglected area.

“But regeneration can’t come at an unacceptable human cost and the people who live in these streets should not be treated as obstacles to progress – they are Blackpool residents who deserve fairness, dignity and proper support.

“Those being asked to move must be able to secure equivalent and affordable homes that offer long-term stability. Support for them must be proactive and sensitive to their individual circumstances, particularly for vulnerable households.

“Blackpool Council has reassured me that it is committed to supporting residents through the process and I am pressing the leadership of the Council to build trust with residents and ensure no one is left feeling confused or pressured.

“Regeneration should lift communities up, not displace them without security. Getting this right is essential.”

The Rev Matthew Lockwood, the leader of Beacon church on Reads Avenue, says that while the area does desperately need regeneration, many residents felt that knocking down their homes was not the answer.

But Cllr Lynn Willim, Leader of Blackpool Council, said: “People in Blackpool deserve a better standard of living than some of the housing we’ve seen in the area so far.

“This regeneration is about vastly improving the quality of housing, but also the surrounding areas, building green areas and neighbourhoods that more people enjoy living in.

“We know that this approach works, as our similar projects at Queens Park, Grange Park and Foxhall Village over the last decade have led to better living standards, reduced crime and increased stability in communities.

“That has transformed lives for the people who live there now in quality social housing and we believe it can have the same positive effect here.”