Residents and traders in Dudley, West Midlands, are describing their once-bustling high street as a "dying shanty town" where pigeons outnumber shoppers and more than forty retail units stand vacant. The area, which was historically a vibrant market town in the Black Country, has seen a dramatic decline, with local businesses reporting daily takings as low as £60.
A Legacy of Decline and Broken Promises
Long-term shopkeeper Alison Wade, who has operated Cards and Gifts 4 You for three decades, recalls Dudley's former glory. "When I first came I thought 'wow, this is lovely', it was all stone, high-street shops, really, really nice. It was still a thriving town," she said. "Now, it's like a shanty town." Her sentiments are echoed by other locals who blame the deterioration on council inaction and the lasting impact of the out-of-town Merry Hill shopping centre, which opened in the 1980s.
Failed Revamp and Antisocial Behaviour Spike
A recent £150,000 market place refurbishment, intended to revitalise the area, has been branded a failure. The new seating area has become infested with pigeons and is frequently used by groups drinking alcohol and causing disturbances. Photographs reveal a desolate landscape of boarded-up shops and derelict buildings, with residents reporting a significant increase in antisocial incidents.
Market stallholder Chris Bradwick, who has worked in Dudley for five years, highlighted ongoing accessibility issues. "They closed and demolished the bus station, the tram system remains unfinished and there's constant roadworks going on," he explained. "OAPs can't access the town centre which is just full of college kids and they aren't going to support local businesses."
Council Response and Future Measures
Councillor Damian Corfield, cabinet member for neighbourhoods, acknowledged the problems. "We absolutely agree that this needs to be a clean, welcoming space and our cleansing teams will be jet‑washing the area, while longer‑term options to address the issue are actively being considered," he stated. The council is also progressing a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) for Dudley Town Centre to combat antisocial behaviour through increased patrols and enforcement.
However, St Thomas’s ward councillor Shaukat Ali expressed shock at the current state. "I am absolutely gobsmacked by the state of the market, traders are not very happy, the toilets are closed, there are pigeon droppings everywhere and there is antisocial behaviour; people have had enough," he said.
Community Hopes Amidst Desolation
Despite the bleak outlook, some residents hold onto hope for regeneration. Harriet Manly, a 39-year-old mother, remarked, "The people of Dudley are amazing," emphasising the community's resilience. The town, which was recently ranked as the third worst place to live in England in 2025, faces an uphill battle to restore its historic market town appeal and support its remaining traders.
