Willenhall Residents Endure 'Hell' Amid Derelict Factories as Regeneration Finally Begins
Residents living at the heart of a major regeneration project in Willenhall have spoken out about the 'hell' of enduring life surrounded by multiple derelict factories. The area encompassing Moat Street, Cemetery Road, Villiers Street, and New Hall Street, situated just outside Willenhall town centre, was once a bustling hub of industrial activity but has tragically fallen into severe dilapidation over recent years.
A History of Misery and Neglect
As previously documented by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the community has been plagued by a relentless series of distressing incidents. Residents reported enduring fires occurring as frequently as twice a week, alongside persistent issues with motorbikes illegally using the greenway and significant drug-related activity that has caused widespread misery.
The site's notoriety was such that in 2023, BBC film crews specifically selected it as a backdrop to depict scenes resembling The Troubles in Northern Ireland, highlighting its stark and desolate appearance.
The Long-Awaited Willenhall Masterplan
The Willenhall Masterplan, spearheaded by Walsall Council, promises a transformative future for the area. The project will see the demolition of all derelict buildings, making way for the construction of 109 new homes by the national developer, Keepmoat.
Although demolition was initially promised for January 2025, the long-awaited works finally commenced last month. Neighbouring residents have expressed profound relief and pleasure at seeing physical progress begin on the site after years of delay and decline.
Voices from the Community
Neil Hathaway, 57, did not mince his words about the current state of the area. "It's in a bad state at the moment, it needs something to do with it. The future has got to be better than what it is at the moment. It's been a hell for a long time," he stated.
He highlighted ongoing problems, saying, "We see a lot of things going on. Antisocial behaviour is a big problem. Buildings are always being broken into, they need CCTV desperately. If there's some houses there at least it's protected in some way."
Stephen Roberts, 70, has lived adjacent to the factories for over a decade and has witnessed the area's dramatic decline firsthand. "We've seen it all, we had the big fire, there's been filming on the street, every year there's something new. We just watch out the window seeing it all unfold," he recounted.
Expressing cautious optimism about the regeneration, Roberts added, "I think [the project] is good for the area. Willenhall needs to be brought back up. It's been dropping a bit just lately. I think it'll be a good thing."
Concerns Amidst the Hope
While welcoming the change, some residents have raised practical concerns about the new development. David Whitehouse, 71, described the existing situation as "a bit of a nightmare at times" and criticised the perceived lack of police support.
His primary worry focuses on parking. "The only problem I've got with the new houses is the parking. All the houses that are going up need catering for so they can all park their cars off the road," he explained.
Whitehouse pointed out a previous community asset, saying, "There was a car park here originally that we used to use, and they took it off us. Now we have to park on the road. My car's been hit several times. It would be good if we could have some parking spaces here."
In response to these concerns, developer Keepmoat has indicated that on-street parking is expected to be 'significantly reduced due to exceeded parking provision' across the new development, suggesting off-road solutions will be prioritised.
Council Leadership Welcomes Progress
Councillor Adrian Andrew, Deputy Leader of Walsall Council, welcomed the start of demolition as a critical milestone. "It's great to see these derelict eyesores start to come down in Willenhall," he said.
He emphasised the project's importance for community morale, adding, "They've been a blight on the community for too long and the demolition is a major step forward in laying the groundwork for a future that Willenhall truly deserves."
The commencement of work marks a pivotal moment for a community that has endured significant hardship, offering a tangible promise of renewal and improved quality of life for Willenhall residents.
