People in Revoe being scared by misinformation, says council’s deputy leader

A leading Blackpool councillor says residents in the town’s Revoe area are being frightened by misinformation over plans to demolish homes.

Councillor Neal Brookes, deputy leader at Blackpool Council, says that although the council is looking to press ahead with the controversial proposals, he believes a combination of confusion and scaremongering has panicked residents.

Cllr Brookes says that despite residents complaining of a lack of council dialogue, the authority is desperate to talk those affected by the plans and give them the correct information

The council is looking to knock down around 320 residences on several streets off Central Drive, within a designated ‘red line’ area – and replace them with modern housing.

But the proposals have left many residents furious and worried about where they will go.

They say they are being forced out of their homes and feelings are running so high that on Tuesday night a number of protesters disrupted a planning meeting at Blackpool Town Hall and forced it to be held in anther room.

What deputy leader says

Cllr Brookes said: “No one is going to be made homeless, these are our residents after all.

“What is worrying is that people have been  knocking on doors of residents who aren’t even within the red line telling their their houses are going to be knocked down.

“Vulnerable people are being scared with lies and innuendo by those with a vested interest.

“We want to tell people the truth – we have expert advisers who can help all the residents, whether they are owner occupiers or renters, tell them the facts and let them know what help is available.

“Some of the decent landlords have other properties elsewhere in Revoe which will be available, enabling a number of residents to stay in the Revoe area with the same landlord, if they wish. Advice on benefits is also available.,

“Home owners will be offered the market value for their homes and we understand there are a range of similar properties available, within or close to Revoe, on the market.

“We do know that a number of  properties within the red line area for demolition are not fit for purpose and where children do not  have enough space to do their homework, so they are falling behind at school and his will effect their life chances.

“Some of the landlords are changing extortionate rents from £600 to £800 a month for small properties, as much as you’d pay for a larger house in a place like Poulton.

“This is what we are looking to take on and stop – we are looking to put an end to the sort of deprivation which is holding Blackpool – and areas like Revoe back.

“We have decided to do this in Revoe because it is the area that needs it most.”

A £90m grant previously awarded by former Conservative minister Michael Gove as part of the then government’s Homes England agenda, will be used to cover the costs of demolition costs and leveling off the site ready for re-buildmg.

An outline planning application for demolition and more than 200 new homes is expected to be submitted to Blackpool planners before the summer.

It is not yet known how the new-build housing will be delivered but it is expected to be affordable rented accommodation.

Cllr Brookes is also chairman of Blackpool Housing Company (BHC), one of Blackpool Council’s wholly owned companies.

Cllr Brookes, said: “The main objective set for Blackpool Housing Company 10 years ago was the disruption of the private rental sector in Blackpool’s inner areas, challenging poor and unacceptable housing conditions, and we have been successful in improving the lives of hundreds of residents.

“We want to be the landlords of choice for residents in Blackpool because we do things right. We also have some properties in Revoe so that will be another option for residents.”

But Jamie Rodney, of the Acorn Union, a community action group which is liaising with the residents, said of Tuesday’s night’s council meeting protest: “This is just the start, we will not stop. The residents do not want this.”

Revoe residents within the red line who want to speak to the council about their options can phone 01253 477477 and ask for the central housing engagement team or email housingcentralregen@blackpool.gov.uk.