How well is Birmingham faring under its Big City Plan?

摘要

'If you don't evolve, you die.' That's the stark assessment from Alexander Paton, 69, long-term resident of one of Ladywood's remaining high-rise residential blocks, who was interviewed by Ella Jessel for her feature about estate regeneration in Birmingham (page 16). Paton lives on an estate marked for massive redevelopment. He makes the point that much of Ladywood's challenges are down to the closure of places people can meet and socialise. 'There were ten pubs, once. The social centre of Ladywood used to be the social club. It closed down in March last year.' But - and this is crucial - he thinks his current flat is 'sound', and he 'loves the place'.