'Lowest of the low' fear on estates

Residents feel they are blamed for their problems, stigmatised by where they live, and discriminated because of their class, said researchers for the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF).

The social policy research and development charity said residents want to be given the chance to improve their own lives and change the perception held by the rest of society .

A team from Bradford University compiled the report, "participation and community on Bradford's traditionally white estates", which focuses on two communities in Bradford and Keighley and questions why, given the Government's "commitment to improving the lives of the most excluded social groups", there is still no evidence of sustainable change.

Report co-author Jenny Pearce said: "These communities were once respectable places to live but have been damaged by a process of long-term decline.

"It is vital to recognise residents and community activists working to change their estates. Transformation is not possible without listening to their voices and tackling the difficult issues head-on. Importantly, these findings are neither unique to Bradford nor to white working-class communities, as other JRF research across the UK and in Bradford has shown.

"But, at a time when people are facing additional hardships, this report issues a timely reminder of the people and places left behind, and of the energy and expertise ready to be tapped – with the right support."

The team worked with two estates: Braithwaite and Guardhouse on Keighley's western outskirts, and Scholemoor in inner-city Bradford. People were asked for their views on their communities, how they participate within them and how they interact with external organisations.

Researchers said hopelessness and determination co-existed on the estates, with many people looking for ways to improve their lives and communities.

The report said: "Many residents felt regarded as 'the lowest of the low', with society moralising and blaming their behaviour for their problems. In turn, as 'white' estates have opened up to minority ethnic groups and other newcomers, these 'others' can become the focus of residents' frustrations."

According to the findings, residents feel their voices are not really heard and "senior managers and agencies have unintentionally perpetuated problems through tokenistic consultations, not respecting residents' knowledge and thinking they know what is best for communities."

The project found many residents actively try to improve their estates, often leading to strain on their lives and misunderstanding of their motives – and that they need support. The researchers suggested that "blaming estate residents for Britain's social ills will not enable residents to bring about the changes many of them aspire to." Prejudice and resentment towards newcomers can create further divides. More information for newcomers and existing residents would help.

JRF Bradford manager Bana Gora said: "One of the key shared problems across all these communities is residents' feeling of powerlessness to influence meaningful change.

"Agencies and other bodies who work with these estates need to believe in people's capability to contribute to solving their own problems. Residents understand the issues and challenges facing their estates better than anyone and must be part of the solution."

Alex Brown, chair of Braithwaite People's Association and resident on Braithwaite and Guardhouse estate, claimed many agencies ignored residents' requests. "Most agencies working on the estate don't really take notice of what residents want. They either consult then ignore our requests, or just tell us what they think we need without asking," he said.