Tenants of Gleadless Valley, Sheffield, were told a half a million pound regeneration scheme would start seven years ago, but they say houses are still “falling apart” and “nothing is happening to help them”.
Mrs Sally Pedley, from Gleadless, is one of those affected. She said: “It has taken far too long.
“Doors aren’t closing properly, plastic is up against the walls to try and stop the damp. It’s absolutely disgusting that people have to live like that.”
Councillor Douglas Johnson, who is in charge of Sheffield housing said: “The plan was set in place in 2017, but it took 5 years of consultation, which meant it wasn’t until 2022 that everything was starting.
“Now with inflation in construction and the cost of building work, the prices would be through the roof. So, the original plan now doesn’t work.”
The money that was set originally to spend on the regeneration now “doesn’t go half as far as it would have done in 2017”.
One of Sheffield’s largest housing estates, Gleadless Valley roughly houses 10,000 residents and consists of flats and houses, located within Sheffield’s hillsides.
Councillor Johnson said: “In 2022, we changed our plans and started to focus on the environment, focusing on keeping and maintaining the beautiful greenery that Gleadless has to offer.”
Residents say they are “struggling to live” with the conditions that some of the homes are in and it is “ridiculous to prioritise some tree planting when the housing stock is crumbling and desperate for a refurbishment”.
Coun Johnson added: “We don’t want to knock down any houses until there are new ones built for people to move into.
“We have a new team in place, consulting on a games area and recreation ground. Yet, they are still finding their feet because the original master plan is hard for them to implement.”
Mrs Pedley added: “It’s just not good enough. They still have a pot of money they could be getting on with things.”
Councillor Johnson explained the council are planning on building new homes, but it will take a substantial amount of time and might not be for a good few years.