Former Blackpool councillor raises welfare issues over residents facing homes demolition
More than 300 homes are at risk of being demolished in Revoe
Last updated 31st Mar 2026
A former Blackpool councillor has launched a stinging criticism of plans to demolish more than 300 homes in the town’s Revoe area.
Tony Williams, the former leader of Blackpool Council’s Conservative group for eight years, says the council has not done enough to support residents who face the loss of their homes as part of controversial regeneration plans.
Mr Williams says the council should have learnt vital lessons after an inquest found that the “relentless stress” of a Blackpool Council Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) to demolish his home for the Multiversity project contributed to the suicide of 34-year-old Alistair Taylor in 2025.
The father-of-two died following a two-year dispute over his Milbourne Street home’s valuation, described as a “hostile” process.
Mr Williams said: “I was concerned about the mixed messages the council were giving to residents in this area many of which are extremely worried as to where they will find alternative places to live
“I don’t think the council has done enough to support these residents, many of whom are seniors and have mobility issues.
“Have they used due diligence in respect of how this is going to impact people’s lives?
“I am not against the development of new homes in the Revoe area per say, but I am concerned that the council may have failed to carry out necessary checks and reports on some very relevant and in some cases statutory disciplines.
“They are not listening to what the residents want. Have they carried out condition reports on the houses they are planning to demolish.
“Do they even have a Plan B or C instead of simply telling people what they are going to do?
“People are worried about if they will be able to afford another place when their homes are knocked down, where they will be able to go.
“It is clearly stressful for the people living there and it seems the council have not learnt from the tragedy of the man who took his own life.”
Mr Williams said he had also filed an FOI request into what preparations th council had carried out prior to announcing the plans.
But Cllr Neal Brookes, deputy Leader of Blackpool Council, said “No one is going to be made homeless, these are our residents after all.
“We want to tell people the truth – we have expert advisers who can help all the residents, whether they are owner occupiers or renters, tell them the facts and let them know what help is available.
“Some of the decent landlords have other properties elsewhere in Revoe which will be available, enabling a number of residents to stay in the Revoe area with the same landlord, if they wish. Advice on benefits is also available.,
“Home owners will be offered the market value for their homes and we understand there are a range of similar properties available, within or close to Revoe, on the market.
“We do know that a number of properties within the red line area for demolition are not fit for purpose and where children do not have enough space to do their homework, so they are falling behind at school and this will affect their life chances.
“Some of the landlords are changing extortionate rents from £600 to £800 a month for small properties, as much as you’d pay for a larger house in a place like Poulton.
“This is what we are looking to take on and stop – we are looking to put an end to the sort of deprivation which is holding Blackpool – and areas like Revoe back.
“We have decided to do this in Revoe because it is the area that needs it most.”