23/06/06

MP demands Galloway demolition

Liam Byrne, MP for Birmingham Hodge Hill today demanded the council fulfil their promise to demolish derelict homes on Galloway Avenue in Hodge Hill. Residents on nearby roads tell Liam that the homes have become a honey pot for anti-social behaviour and local louts.

Liam has written repeatedly to the council over the past year, and was told in July last year that the “properties have been handed over to the demolition contractors so I expect demolition to start soon”. But residents have not seen any official council action since then.

When Liam contacted the council to complain they passed the buck, and said that the delay in demolition was due to central networks not disconnecting the utilities quickly enough. Recent arson attempts in the houses could have led to disaster as gas points still remain. Now residents and Liam have had enough.

Liam has written today to the Chief Executive of Central Networks demanding they act now. The Hodge Hill MP has also written to the council calling on them to fulfil their promise to demolish these houses before residents get hurt.

Liam said

“We were promised that these houses would be gone soon – but what soon means to Birmingham City Council is anyone’s guess. While the council and Central Networks sit on their hands, residents have to put up with night after night of youths using the houses as hangouts, and drug addicts using them as crack dens. No one should have to put up with this.”

“I’m here today with local residents to say that enough is enough. We want the council to better their promise and demolish these houses now – soon just isn’t good enough.”

ENDS