Locals call for new homes on Halesowen land which attracts crime
Campaigners are calling on Dudley Council to buy and build badly needed homes on a Halesowen site which has become a magnet for crime and fly-tipping.
Local residents want the land on Attwood Street to be redeveloped after six derelict terraced cottages were demolished in 2016 and which has stood empty ever since.
They have now launched a petition calling on the council to use its powers of compulsory purchase to provide housing and improve the area.
Resident Daniel Bevan said: “This land has been left to go to waste for as long as I can remember. Residents are, quite rightly, frustrated at the amount of time this land has been derelict.
“That is why launched this petition because the only people with the power to do something about this are Dudley Council. If they compulsory purchase this land, they can build five or six much needed homes for people who really need it.”
Fellow campaigner Peter Dobb said the site added to fears of crime in the area.
“I know that councillors here have received reports of burglaries and anti-social behaviour surrounding the site because it isn’t adequately fenced off,” he said.
“There has also been fly-tipping on the land too. The best way to resolve those issues will be to get building here. I hope lots of local residents can support our campaign.”
The campaign is being supported by Councillor Simon Phipps who has launched an online petition while homes will get delivered copies to sign.
It will remain online until the end of December after which it will be presented to the council’s planning and regeneration department.
View the petition here: https://bit.ly/2GxXHU6
