I visited a town in the West Midlands where people fear being left behind

Brownhills boasts a rich history and vibrant community – but Walsall town has been “left behind”, according to residents. We visited the high street ahead of the 2024 general election and found people expressing concern about the lack of investment compared to other areas – such as nearby Aldridge.

In February this year, BirminghamLive visited Brownhills, which has promised historic investment, with Aldi planning to take over the site in 2022, but it still remains rundown and derelict.

Gloria Wigley, 74, told BirminghamLive it remained a big issue for her.

Gloria said: “They’ve been supposed to be doing something with Ravens Court shopping center for years but nothing has been done.”

Gloria added that she feels “annoyed” because she still has to pay her council tax but feels like she’s been left behind. He continued: I have lived in this area for 60 years and it is frustrating that there is no investment in the area. Most of Walsall West do things and we get nothing.

“Wool stores, clothing stores, shoe stores, there’s nothing like that here, it’s just completely run down.”

Bret Wilkins, 66, agreed and also mentioned Ravens Court, which he called “the biggest bug in the area.” He said: “There has been talk of Aldi buying it but nothing seems to be happening with it.”

Brett also told us that another thing that is frustrating for him is that none of the cops are out on the streets. “We need to see more police around, pay them more or pay them whatever, but they need to be seen,” he said.

Other residents on the high street shared their concerns about the current housing crisis, with Rosemary, who was retired and caring for her daughter, saying homeless people on the streets needed to “take priority”.

She said: “Homeless people need to be prioritized over people coming in and getting these wonderful new homes.”

Asked about the important election issues in her area, Rosemary said streets and public services are safer. “There are cuts all the time and the contributions my daughter has to make to get the care she needs go up and up every year, it’s just not fair,” she said.

The candidates standing in the Brownhills-Aldridge constituency for the 2024 general election are:

• Labor Party – Luke John Davies
• Liberal Democrat – Ian Garett
• Conservative Party – Wendy Morton
• Reform Britain – Graham Eardley
• Green Party – Clare Nash