Residents in Blackpool's Revoe district are living in fear and distress as plans to demolish their homes, backed by a significant £90 million government regeneration grant, move forward. Many long-term residents describe the area as becoming a 'ghost town', with boarded-up properties creating an unsettling atmosphere.
Blackpool Council has secured the substantial funding to transform the area, intending to clear up to 300 existing properties, which they describe as 'poor-quality', and replace them with up to 230 new, energy-efficient homes. The council states it has already acquired over a third of the affected properties in Revoe, leading to a mix of occupied and empty houses across some streets.
However, the proposals have met strong opposition from a vocal segment of the community. Janet Tansey, a resident of over 40 years, shared her profound distress, stating, "I go to bed at night crying, I get up in the morning crying, I can't stand much more of it." Others, like Paul Kimberlin, who has lived in Revoe for eight years, argue that the houses are structurally sound and question the council's sudden assessment of their condition following the funding award. Community leader Anna Penfold Sadler, a Revoe resident for 15 years, is at the forefront of the campaign against demolition, emphasising the importance of the existing community fabric.
Councillor Dave Flanagan, cabinet member for housing at Blackpool Council, defended the regeneration strategy, suggesting that renovation alone would not suffice. He highlighted the limitations of the current terraced properties, particularly their lack of green spaces and suitability for growing families, asserting that an innovative approach is necessary for meaningful future improvements. The council has offered residents compensation for their homes and relocation support.
Despite the council's assurances, many residents feel the compensation offered is insufficient. Anna Penfold Sadler stated that an offer of £95,000, intended to cover both property and relocation, would make it impossible to acquire a like-for-like home, potentially forcing families to downsize or rent. Paul Kimberlin echoed these concerns, claiming promises of like-for-like replacement and no financial loss have been broken. The council maintains it provides independent valuations and will fund residents to obtain their own, adjusting offers for any discrepancies.
While many residents are campaigning to save their homes, not everyone is dissatisfied with the relocation. Scott Southern, who previously rented in the busy Central Drive area, has moved to a quieter residential street closer to the sea, expressing satisfaction with his new living arrangements and improved quality of sleep. A planning application for the regeneration scheme was submitted in spring 2026, with a decision anticipated in autumn 2026, and initial demolition work planned to commence around the same time.