A Ladywood councillor representing thousands in the ward has hit back at residents over last night's chaotic regeneration meeting - claiming they "weren't prepared to listen". Cllr Sir Albert Bore appeared to blame his own constituents over the failed session which left more questions than answers.
The former Birmingham City Council leader admitted the meeting, held at Ladywood Health and Community Centre, was "shambolic" after hundreds were kicked to the kerb due to the site reaching full capacity. Thousands living in Ladywood will be affected by the wide-scale demolition plans but only around 200 people were permitted inside.
Those outside - whose homes and businesses also face demolition - were forced to listen to the forum via a speaker comically rolled out of a fire exit. Presentation slides were shown only to those inside, meaning everyone in the cold had no idea what speakers were referencing.
Read more: 'We need answers!' - Ladywood chaos as hundreds facing homes demolition turned away at meeting
Cllr Bore, appearing on BBC Radio WM this morning, told breakfast presenter Rakeem Omar: "It was shambolic because I'm afraid a lot of residents weren't prepared to listen to what was being said. This was an exploratory meeting; the first of what will be several years of consultation.
"What we were trying to get across last night was some of the principles, if you like, of how the city council intends to take forward its partnership with developer St Joseph/Berkeley Homes. It's unfortunate that it didn't come across, but we will have to pursue this."
When questioned on why the venue was chosen if the number of residents affected outstrips capacity, the Labour councillor added: "We were using the biggest venue within the central Ladywood area available. It couldn't accommodate everybody who wanted to be there but there is going to be further meetings.
"To accommodate something larger we would have had to go out of the regeneration area. People would have complained about that, had we done so.
"This is only the start of the process. Last night wasn't about taking decisions. It was about passing over information that we as the council and the developers intend to do.
"There will be individual engagement meetings between the council, developers and individuals in the period to come. The first development activity doesn't start until 2028 - we're talking about five years from now."
On confusion over whether residents will be allowed to stay in Ladywood once their homes are demolished, Cllr Bore said the meeting had "made clear" that those who want to stay in the area will be assisted to do so. He said: "People are being told, that is council tenants, those living in housing association properties and home owners that, if they want to stay in Ladywood, every assistance will be given to ensure they stay in Ladywood.
"Financial issues, as far as homeowners are considered, are matters that will be dealt with on an individual basis. Compulsory purchase is the last act, no one wants to go forward on that. There will be individual discussions on how to proceed on individual properties."
A second residents' meeting is due to take place next Wednesday, July 26. It's understood that exact details are yet to be announced.
