A lifelong resident of Birmingham's Newtown neighbourhood has issued a stark warning about the lack of opportunities for young people, stating that the only activity left for them is shoplifting. Stephen, who chose not to share his surname, has lived in the area his entire life and has witnessed its decline over decades.
Resident calls for government action
The 62-year-old, who lives near the former Newtown Wellbeing Centre, highlighted the closure of vital services such as the Newtown Wellbeing Centre and Newtown Youth Centre. He told BirminghamLive that there is simply 'nothing to do' for the youth in the area.
Stephen said: 'In this area, there's nothing. There's a well-known pub over the road that's closed down. Everything round here has closed down.' He added: 'The only thing for young people to do round here is to go down there to the shopping centre, shoplift, get money. You can go anywhere around this area to get drugs.'
Violence and fear
The Newtown local also described the violence he has witnessed from his own home. He pointed to an area behind the former wellbeing centre, which he says is where gangs frequently fight. 'When you look out the window, you always see gangs here fighting with knives and machetes. You're scared to report it because you're going to have to be a witness for it,' he explained.
Stephen, who was on his way to the Aston Villa victory parade, urged MPs to take action. 'We need the MPs who you vote for to come around here and have a look at how we're living, because you know, it's a cry for help. Look at it, there's nothing. Nothing around here,' he said.
The area behind the former Newtown Wellbeing Centre was described as strewn with litter, bricks, and broken glass, highlighting the neglect residents feel.
