Liam Byrne today organised a protest outside Birmingham Council House to highlight the council's failure to demolish two high rise towers.

Unable to be there himself as he has been ordered to stay in Westminster due to the Terrorism votes, Liam arranged for residents and local councillors from the Bromford Estate in Hodge Hill, where Bayley and Stoneycroft towers are situated, to protest in the city centre.

Birmingham City Council promised to demolish the towers 3 years ago. The 231 flats have since been emptied at a cost of nearly £1m to taxpayers - but the tower blocks are still standing.

Residents want the towers demolished as they are a magnet for anti-social behaviour and drug dealing.

The MP for Birmingham Hodge Hill is calling for the Bromford Estate to be prioritised for regeneration. The planned demolition would open up 3 acres of land for housing, business and community use.

Liam said:

“We just can't believe this council has broken its promises to Hodge Hill so shamelessly. They are taking council tax payers for a ride by wasting a million pounds in such a shocking way. They may as well have just burnt the money which we all work hard as council tax payers to give them.

“The Council have backtracked over their original decision and are still deciding what action to take. Whilst they take their time the Bromford Estate is blighted by the 2 empty towers. Meanwhile £10,000 a month is spent on securing empty buildings.

“Nearly £1 million has already been spent on moving residents from their homes. This money could have been put to far better use on improving the area. The estate has terrible transport links. The M6 motorway cuts it off from Fort Dunlop and it takes two bus rides to get to the biggest employment site in the area depriving residents of local employment opportunities.”

The Council's lack of concern towards young people has already been highlighted by the sale of playing fields to build a Tesco store at the Fox and Goose Shopping Centre - and now £1m badly needed for youth facilities in the area has been wasted.

Liam added:

"This Tory/Liberal coalition council does not listen to its taxpayers. They dumped a Probation Centre in Shard End, are planning an unwanted Medium Secure Unit in Bordesley Green and have sold off playing fields in Hodge Hill to Tesco. And now we get a fourth let down.

“We are sending the council a message. We will not stand by as you break your promises. The Council promised they would demolish the towers and bring new housing and facilities to the Bromford. Instead they have done nothing. This area needs action and improvement, not indecision and waste.”