Red signs bearing a defiant message - "not for sale" - dot the landscape of a Birmingham estate where residents are fighting ambitious council regeneration plans that would see their homes demolished.
During a visit to Druids Heath in south Birmingham, the acts of resistance stand out against the backdrop of derelict tower blocks and fly-tipping, visual evidence of the area's need for investment.
Residents voice anger and uncertainty
Homeowner Denise Dean, who has lived in her property for more than 50 years, faces the prospect of seeing her house demolished under the council's regeneration scheme. The 66-year-old told Local Democracy Reporter Service that her home no longer feels like her own.
"Where do I go and live if my home is demolished?" she asked, describing communication from Birmingham City Council as "diabolical".
Denise claims residents have received just two letters about the regeneration, both addressed generically to "the residents", leaving homeowners in a state of limbo about their futures.
Substantial regeneration plans
The enormous regeneration project, approved at a council planning meeting last month, aims to transform Druids Heath into a green oasis with 3,500 new homes, new infrastructure, transport links and improved facilities.
The Labour-run council says the scheme will bring several benefits including a new sports hub, improved green spaces, and a network of pedestrian and cycling facilities.
Council officials argue that most homes in Druids Heath require millions of pounds in investment to bring them up to minimum standards, justifying the extensive demolition.
Community fears and council response
Nearby resident Kim McDermott expressed shock at discovering her home faces demolition, particularly after spending £65,000 "future-proofing" her property for old age.
"I'm angry, it's a joke," the 67-year-old said. "If they try to insult me with a low offer, they will have to drag me out of here. I will go to court, I really will - I'm not going to live in a box."
The tensions boiled over at last month's planning meeting, where the plans were officially approved amid angry questions and outbursts from residents.
Outside the council house that day, Clare Woodward voiced concerns about her 76-year-old father who has lived in the area for forty years. "Are they going to kick him out of his house at his age?" she asked.
Green Party councillor Julien Pritchard, who represents the area, has raised concerns about the scale of demolition. "I think the council should look again at how much is being demolished," he said. "Does everything need to go? I don't think so."
A Birmingham City Council spokesperson acknowledged that regeneration "will bring changes that will cause understandable distress for those affected".
The council says it will offer market value for homes plus an extra 10% of the sale price for residential homeowners, and has committed to delivering a shared equity scheme to prevent residents being priced out of the area.
The spokesperson added that 1,571 residents participated in the council's consultation process on the masterplan, with 68% supporting the proposals, representing a "significant majority".
However, they acknowledged that given the scale of the scheme, "it would not be feasible or expected that there is 100% support for the council's plans".
