'Why don't they listen to us?' Birmingham locals fear being forced from their homes in regeneration plan
Locals in Druids Heath, Birmingham, have told us they fear being forced out of their homes as part of the council's regeneration masterplan.
Last updated 17th Jun 2024
Residents of Druids Heath in Birmingham have told us they fear for their community amid the council's regeneration masterplan.
Birmingham City Council's proposed plans aim to make the area more sustainable by constructing eco-friendly buildings.
Mark has lived on the estate his whole life. He said: "We get this feeling that we're slowly being edged out of this estate. What concerns us more on the estate is the community. Buildings come and go but the community needs to stay there as always because that's the heart of the estate."
The proposals involve demolishing 1,800 to create space for 3,000 more sustainable homes. It will be completed over 20 years.
Mark added: "Just listen to the people. We've been putting our views over for some time. We don't know if they're listening to us. Why don't they ask us first what we think? Listen to us and maybe we can come to some solution."
Claire also lives in Druids Heath. She said: "There are people, there are lots of people on the estate who own their houses and feel like they're just being pushed.
"They're quite happy - they like their homes, they like their community. And Druids Heath does have a good community."
Birmingham City Council said: "For two years, the council have been talking with and listening to the community to create a proposed masterplan for the regeneration of Druids Heath. One that meets the needs of the people who live and work there."