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Dudley demolition plans could force hundreds to leave homes

Hundreds of people face being forced out of their homes as Dudley Council plans to demolish four high-rise blocks of flats.

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Council bosses said it will cost more than £9 million of spending in the near future to keep the buildings in their current condition.

A consultation over the cost-cutting plans has now been launched with hundreds of residents who will have to be rehoused from Arley Court, Compton Court, Manor Court and Wells Court in Netherton.

According to a report for the authority's cabinet, compensating tenants and leaseholders and demolishing the four blocks will cost £3m.

Ward councillor Elaine Taylor said she was concerned about the impact of knocking down the blocks.

"One of my biggest worries is we could be talking about up to 300 people moving out of our community," she said.

"We haven't got the capacity in Netherton so they will have to move somewhere else.

"Our first priority has to be the residents – they will have to be consulted all the way through.

"I've tried to ease their concerns and tell them this isn't going to happen overnight and no decision has been made yet. The majority of people understand but it's not easy as they could be losing their homes."

A man who lives in one of the blocks in Netherton said he feared for the future of older residents.

He said: "The big problem is that there are a lot of elderly people – in their 60s, 70s and 80s – in some of the blocks and this will be difficult for them.

"People will have to move from the area they have lived for years – communities are going to be split up."

A report to the council urges consent for 'the demolition of four high-rise blocks at Arley, Compton, Wells and Manor Courts, and the disposal of ad hoc, non viable vacant dwellings'.

It follows a review of the authority's housing stock.

If the proposals are passed at the cabinet meeting on Wednesday, they will then go before full council for approval.

Councillor Gaye Partridge, cabinet member for housing, said: "These blocks are in need of serious repair which would cost over £9m during the next five years yet a lack of demand means that around one third of the units lie empty.

"To invest heavily in these blocks is simply not a viable option. We have already held a number of public meetings with those who will be affected, and will be working with tenants on an individual basis in order to identify their specific housing needs.

"In the meantime, and subject to cabinet approval, we will be stopping any further lettings in the blocks.

"People will always be at the heart of everything we do at this community council, and it is especially important when making decisions on people's homes."

Residents were being consulted at a meeting with council bosses last night.

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