Business owners in Smethwick are struggling with persistent break-ins, parking congestion, and rampant fly-tipping as the town awaits a critical ruling on a proposed house of multiple occupation (HMO) development.
The town is set to benefit from £20 million in government funding over the next decade aimed at revitalizing the High Street, enhancing amenities, and improving public safety. However, many local businesses feel these improvements overlook immediate and pressing concerns they face daily.
Last year, a controversial plan to establish an 11-bed HMO on the High Street was rejected by Sandwell Council’s planning committee. Opponents warned that such a development could accelerate the decline of parts of the borough, turning them into overcrowded and neglected slum-like areas.
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Locals voiced concerns about overflowing bins, rampant fly-tipping, poor parking, rat infestations, and blocked drains—problems they fear will worsen if the HMO is allowed. An ongoing appeal means that a government inspector’s decision could still overturn the council’s rejection, raising anxiety among residents and shopkeepers alike.
Many business owners remain frustrated, feeling ignored despite the town’s obvious cultural diversity and vibrant commercial scene. “Smethwick is a fantastic place,” said one takeaway owner. “It’s wrong to label it a slum. The problems here are largely down to the council’s inaction, and it’s up to them to fix these issues.”
Issues of street drinking, drug use, littering, and public urination persist, creating an unsafe and unwelcoming environment. Attempts to install CCTV as a deterrent have reportedly been dismissed, leaving staff fearful for their safety after dark.
Traffic congestion is another acute concern, particularly along Victoria Avenue—a narrow, pothole-ridden lane that sees constant movement from cars, delivery vans, scooters, and even police vehicles. Pedestrians, including those with prams and mobility aids, must navigate these cramped conditions alongside vehicles, prompting some to dub it a “death road.” Shop owners warn that with the HMO potentially housing over 20 residents, parking and road safety issues will only intensify.
“People are risking their lives just crossing here,” one shop owner said. “There’s no parking space left, and expecting more people to live here without addressing these problems is reckless.”
Another nearby empty lot behind the council house has been suggested as an alternative space for parking or community use, but no development has taken place.
Security concerns have driven shops to invest heavily in new locks and deterrents. One owner described taking measures to keep away homeless individuals who had taken to congregating outside his business and attempting forced entry during the day.
With the fate of the new HMO hanging in the balance and daily challenges mounting, many in Smethwick’s High Street community call for swift and decisive council action to address the ongoing problems before further development compounds the town’s struggles.