FURIOUS residents living right next to a football stadium have been left worrying that they will be forced out of their homes before Christmas.
Disgruntled locals have blasted Blackpool football club for the “outrageous” move and said families with young children are “terrified” of being made homeless due to club expansion.
Bosses at the club want to demolish their houses before the festive period so they can build a 4,600-seat East Stand at their Bloomfield Road ground.
And Blackpool Council plan to issue compulsory purchase orders if landlords or homeowners do not agree to sell the terrace houses in Henry Street next door to the ground.
It is thought the council are offering up to £90,000 for a house and £130,000 for a car garage.
Mum-of-two Danielle Caton, 39, said: “I’m petrified about being made homeless just before Christmas.
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“My landlord has accepted the offer so there’s not much I can do as it’s not my house.
“But I’m terrified about the effect, its going to have on my son who has learning difficulties.”
She continued: “We could end up in a hotel as a short-term measure as I want a council house.
“There’s no way I could afford a house as nice as this as rents have gone up so much.”
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Homeowner Robert Parkinson, 52, said: “One half of the street is definitely going in the first phase and then it looks like the other half will go after that but we’ve all been kept in the dark.
“I have done a lot of work on our house but I’m worried we will lose money.
“But more than that, I’m scared we’ll be forced out of our home.
“We love it here with the football ground so close. We have residents parking permits so match days aren’t really a problem.
“Plus my daughter has caught the football bug. She plays herself and has posters of Blackpool players on her bedroom wall.
“We don’t want to move.”
Mum-of-four Michaela Howard, 30, said: “The council and football club are behaving outrageously.
“We could be forced from our homes.
“I like it round here. We only really get problems when Preston North End fans come here as it’s a local derby.”
Several houses have been boarded-up after being sold.
Jonmac Tyres garage owner Jon McLoughlin’s business is at the back of Henry Street .
Jon, 63, said: “It’s been a nightmare. The council have offered us money but are now dragging their feet and I don’t know why.
“The football club opened a door for away fans to come out in the alley right by my garage so I have to close on a Saturday.
“So it’s all become a big headache so I’m ready to go.
“I have sorted out another premises but it’s all taking so long.
“I would go tomorrow but I know some people really don’t want to go.”
A Blackpool Council spokesperson said: “The Revoe Community Sports Village will help regenerate the local area around Henry Street by building sports pitches for Blackpool Football Club and its Community Trust, as well as development of a new East Stand.
“We are liaising with the property owners on Henry Street around purchasing their properties through negotiation on a voluntary basis at this stage.
“We would only explore other options if we cannot buy the houses within a reasonable timescale.
“Some owners have chosen to sell already, and advice is available for residents or tenants who need additional support. Nobody will be asked to move out without reasonable warning and it is not our intention for that to happen before Christmas.
“We are very aware that we are buying people’s homes and have written to all residents to offer advice and support, to make sure that nobody is made homeless by the scheme.”
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Blackpool – nicknamed The Seasiders – currently play in League One after they were relegated from the Championship last season.
Blackpool FC have been contacted for comment.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
