17 May 2002
Most of these are in the 'inner core', where some areas have a vacancy rate of 16% – twice the national average.
Consultations are to take place among the area's residents – most of whom are black or from ethnic minorities – to decide on selective demolitions, along with improvements to other properties.
The council is bidding for money from the government's new housing market renewal fund to improve the area.
Richard Kemp, the council's executive member for housing, said it was vital not to repeat the mistakes of the 1960s and 1970s where 'whole communities were ripped up' as people were moved from the city centre to estates on the outskirts.
PFmay2002
