The gospel according to Liverpool City Council
"In her article featured in your 8-14th January 2007 edition [of the Big Issue in the North], Ciara Leeming paints an incredibly negative view of HMR and a range of other regeneration initiatives in Liverpool. Like much of the commentary on the 2008 Capital of Culture, the piece reflects the author’s failure to understand the facts or appreciate the reality of the transformation that is happening today.
"As a local Councillor, Executive Member for Neighbourhoods and Housing with Liverpool City Council and Board member with the Pathfinder, NewHeartlands, perhaps I can help.
"Despite experiencing long term economic decline and significant challenges that stem from this fact, the Granby area of Liverpool has a strong sense of community and clear identity. LCC is directing substantial resources to addressing the challenges this neighbourhood faces and significant work is underway.
"The City Council has recently agreed to extend the Renewal Area period for a further 5 years .A lead developer is in place and detailed consultation with residents is ongoing to identify ways forward that build on the physical, social and cultural infrastructure that exists.
"The suggestion that there is any intent to force residents out of the area is entirely without foundation. On the contrary, the aim of all stakeholders involved in the regeneration of this historic neighbourhood is to respond to the needs of local people and to deliver a range and quality of housing that meets their aspirations.
"The allegation that the HMR programme has "sparked outrage" amongst local residents is a further misrepresentation of the truth. Yes, there is a small, vocal minority who, for a variety of reasons, are opposed to the HMR programme. But the reality is that HMR plans in Liverpool are underpinned by an extensive consultation programme.
"The simplistic suggestion that refurbishment alone can provide the range and quality of housing needed, simply ignores the facts. We have a housing infrastructure created for a population of 800,000 where now we have around 460,000 residents. The legacy of our industrial past also means that in some areas we have an oversupply of a single type of property.
"This restricts choice and can force local people out of a neighbourhood when their lifestyle changes. HMR is helping address these problems, bringing much needed investment to transform communities. Strategic, targeted demolition and new build are part of the solution but the reality is that over the lifetime of the programme HMR will see six times more homes refurbished than cleared.
"Possibly the biggest challenge we face is supporting residents through the regeneration process. Specific initiatives have been implemented as part of our Living Through Change Programme but turning round long term decline isn't easy and change takes time. Additional resources would help speed up the process and we are working with colleagues in the Pathfinder to maximise investment.
"Part of this is about convincing the Government that we need guaranteed, long term funding to build on the progress we have made. In the meantime, we will continue working with local people to address their concerns and develop new, innovative ways of responding to the challenges ahead.
"Finally, I'd like to invite Ms Leeming, or any other journalist who has a genuine interest in the regeneration of Liverpool to come and see for themselves. There's a long way to go but progress is being made and with the continued support of our communities then we can create neighbourhoods for the future."
*** THANKS AWFULLY for the offer Cllr Fielding, but I think I've seen what I need to of Liverpool's regeneration.
While I don't doubt that much of it is very positive for the city and that intentions are honourable, from an outsider's point of view, it would seem officials refuse to take on board public opinion unless it fits with council agenda.
It seems a shame the authority's so quick to dismiss the views of some of those residents it is after all meant to serve as a "small and vocal minority". I think you've somehow missed the point.
As a journalist I am interested in the people living through this process, who wake up to it every day. With respect, I'm less inclined to listen to gushing soundbites about what wonderfully thrusting new communities they are going to become.
Everyone agrees there are some houses which are unfit for habitation and need to go. These campaigners are not stupid, so don't treat them as if they are, just because they happen to disagree with you.
The fact is that most of these new houses will be out of reach of many local people. For those on low incomes and people who are retired, £150,000 is not affordable.
Yes Liverpool city centre has improved over recent years. Yes, I'm sure some residents are happy with the housing renewal programme. But if I'm completely honest, I still think you are wrong.