Less than 20 years ago the Blacon estate in Chester was named and shamed in a national newspaper as one of Britain’s ‘no go zones’.
It was to prove the incentive the estate needed to turn a corner and
according to a number of those involved in the dramatic regeneration
never look back.
Leader reporter Natalie Barnett takes an in depth look at just what has changed on the city’s largest housing estate
since the damning report back in 1994.
TUMBLING crime rates, drastically improved housing, better employment prospects, transformed health facilities and rising educational standards are all a far cry from the view of Blacon portrayed across the UK in April 1994.
The Chester estate was unfortunately one of a handfull of areas dubbed as a no-go area, with a high crime rate and gangs of lawless youths roaming the streets – striking fear into the hearts of long suffering residents.
The national humiliation was too much to bear for many community leaders and a steady transformation started apace some 17 years ago. The turnaround proved dramatic for over 16,000 of the estate residents and was championed by a number of residents and the city’s then MP Christine Russell.
Frustrated by a lack of funding and much needed resources, in 2001, residents hailed the groundbreaking £3.5m Neighbourhood Management Pathfinder programme, which revolutionised many of the resident-led services which continue to evolve.
New and improved health, welfare, housing, youth, community safety and notably environmental services were borne out of the seven-year government scheme and services continue to go from strength to strength.
Only recently Prime Minister David Cameron saw fit to pledge a Big Society Award to the Blacon Community Trust, which has been pivotal in driving forward change for the estate.
The trust has also been awarded a Queen’s Jubilee Award, and The Prince of Wales congratulated Blacon for it’s efforts to change for the better.
Standards of learning in the estate’s five primary schools are at the best ever, while Blacon High School was recently named as one of the most improved schools in the country, with exam pass rates at their highest to date.
Crime and anti-social behaviour has fallen steadily according to police due to tighter partnership working.
The new police headquarters is now situated in Blacon after the old HQ, overlooking the racecourse, was demolished to make way for the new Abode hotel and council offices.
All of this is a far cry from the bleak picture painted by a national Sunday newspaper who’s ‘No-go Britain’ report pointed to Blacon being among the worst council housing districts in the UK, featuring alongside Manchester’s Moss Side, Bradford, and some London estates.
But it seems it is a picture of Blacon which today could not be further from the truth, say supporters.
Blacon Cllr Reggie Jones, a councillor for 22 years, said: “The reality today is that Blacon is a nice place to live, with so much to offer, and is now a first destination of choice for residents.
“Back in 1994 there was an extremely negative portrayal of Blacon and problems faced through a Press article.
“Many will agree that the Blacon we all know and take pride in today could not be any further removed from the 1994 press portrayal.
“Such negative images of their community spurred residents, councillors, community and church leaders into action and they were inspirational in developing the vision for Blacon that continues today.
“Residents are excited by the planned transformation of The Parade shopping area, at the heart of the estate, which will provide a new centre for Blacon,
creating social enterprise, health, improved housing and other opportunities.
“There is also the matter of the Asset Management Group, which will involve residents to redesign services to make them more responsive to community needs.Blacon and the people who have, and continue to create change, have a lot to feel proud of, there is a lot of pride in the community and that is clear.
Congratulations to all who have worked hard to better the quality of life and opportunities.”
Former Chester MP Christine Russell, who worked with residents and leaders to implement the necessary changes, said: “The improvement to the quality of life in Blacon is massive. Residents have a sense of empowerment and feel they have a voice. Their views are listened to and they have the chance to determine opportunities for their estate to bring investment and extra resources.
“Change is there for all to see such as the improvements to the housing stock under the Chester and District Housing Trust, including the excellent new developments in Treborth Road and other areas.
“There is extra police resources including PCSOs, and police and the fire service are working in partnership with schools to address the issue of community safety. There has been a real restoration for Blacon, immeasurable change to every aspect of life on the estate and it is now a destination of choice and compares well with other communities across Chester. Blacon is certainly not a no-go area today, instead there is a real air of welcome, continuing investment and services engaged in Blacon.”
Meanwhile Blacon police Sargent Ian Wilson told how crime and anti-social behaviour had dropped on the estate significantly through partnership working and a series of diversion activities organised by police and the community aimed at engaging young people.
l Have your say. Do you think Blacon is now a better place to live and work? Email your views to news@chesterfirst.co.uk.
School's tops in government list
BLACON High School was recently named among the top 100 schools in the country for sustained improvement by Nick Gibb, Government Minister for Schools.
Attainment is at a record high with 85 per cent of its students gaining five A-C grades and many achieving A* GCSE grades.
Headteacher Sue Yates said: “Learning and achievements at Blacon High School is significantly above government targets and we are very proud of that fact.
“Students are extremely ambitious, hard working and committed and are a credit to themselves and the school.
“Confidence is growing in the school and it is now the school parents want to send their children to. Gone is the school’s reputation for being poor performing. This is a good school and the vision is there, staff are committed and we have excellent resources.”
Blacon High School was transformed in to an educational trust under the Government’s National Challenge programme in January 2010.
It meant that the school benefited from a £750,000 cash injection, and also paved the way for the skills and expertise of Liverpool Hope University and West Cheshire College, which supports further education and skills transition at Blacon High.
Blacon has five primary schools, which have received glowing Ofsted reports in recent years.
The Arches, Dee Point, St Theresa’s, J. H. Godwin and Highfield County Primary schools have all been praised for excellent learning, attitudes, commitment and strong links with the community. The schools are excellent feeder schools to Blacon High School.
Attainment has been labelled ‘outstanding’ at some of the primary schools and the Blacon Sure Start Children’s Centre is key to nursery and pre-school learning.