There have been a number of placard protests, including several at Blackpool Town Hall, with residents bearing the message “Refurb – not Rebuild”

Residents in the Revoe area of Blackpool have three more drop-in sessions planned to discuss a controversial regeneration scheme which includes demolition of their homes.

The next one is an all-day session set to take place at the Ibbison Community Centre on Tuesday June 9, from 9am to 7pm.

Making a point: Revoe residents want their area regenerated but don't want their homes demolished | National World

placeholder image — Making a point: Revoe residents want their area regenerated but don't want their homes demolished | National World

Blackpool Council’s Central Housing Regeneration Area project sees some 300 houses within a ‘red line’ area off Central Drive being proposed for demolition.

And a full planning application, including demolition of those homes and the erection of 230 new ones, is expected to appear in the council’s planning portal imminently.

The council is urging residents to attend the remaining sessions and find out exactly what the project entails and what is expected to happen in the months ahead.

Although residents agree that the Revoe area is desperately in need of regeneration, many of them want to see their homes refurbished instead of being knocked down.

There have been a number of placard protests, including several at Blackpool Town Hall, with residents bearing the message “Refurb – not Rebuild”

Jamie Rodney, of the Acorn Union, a community action group which works across the UK, has been supporting the residents and helping them to get their concerns across.

He said: “Most people accept that Revoe needs regeneration, but many of those residents don’t want to lose their homes. They would rather they were repaired and not bulldozed.

“They’re very worried about where they will go, if they will lose money on their homes and the disruption of their community.

“There are still questions people still believe need answering so we will continue to support the residents who need it.”

Cllr Lynn Williams, leader of Blackpool Council said: “This investment, and the way it will be delivered, is a once in a lifetime opportunity to introduce light, space and quality in to an area of Central Drive – which by its very name tells you how important it has been to Blackpool – that desperately needs it.

“This isn’t just about better housing it’s about creating gardens, play areas, trees and green spaces, an area where people want to live and spend time in, and where their children can thrive.”