Shirley West candidate Kevin Round gives his thoughts on the housing imbalance in Shirley:

“There doesn’t seem to be any opportunities for us young people to get on the property ladder in Shirley. It seems to be a mixture of retirement homes and really expensive accommodation. I may have to move into Birmingham”.

These aren’t my words; these are the words of a worried resident in my own Shirley West ward who has lived in the shadow of the old Powergen building, now itself a sprawling retirement complex, all of her life.

Dramatic as her words may appear, she is sadly not a lone voice. A quick scan of local social media forums will swiftly reveal the scale of concern regarding the housing situation here in Shirley. I have spoken to many parents who have genuine fears for the future welfare of their children. Living here in Shirley with my own children I share that anxiety too. Indeed, as the worried resident I spoke to commented – “Shirley is fast becoming an actual retirement village”.

My own concern is we may face an eventual exodus of our young people out of Shirley should the lack of affordable housing opportunities not improve, and in a world where Coronavirus is already robbing them of job prospects this doesn’t strike me as fair or just. Therefore, I am calling on Solihull council to pay special attention to this when next considering housing planning.