We visited one of Birmingham's most deprived areas and one word came up again and again

Words like 'liar' and 'idiot' were thrown around freely when Birmingham Live visited Ladywood ahead of the general election. Residents didn't hold back when asked their thoughts on Rishi Sunak, Keir Starmer and the biggest election issues for them.

As one of Birmingham's most deprived constituencies, crime, housing and littering are issues on everyone's lips. There was also an air of frustration with locals feeling ignored or let down by the Labour party, who seem to be losing their grip on the area.

One key reason being the Ladywood Estate Regeneration Scheme which will see major housing regeneration over a 20 year period. Residents continuously blast the plans which will see some homes demolished, making way for new apartments and houses.

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Former MP of Ladywood, and current Labour candidate Shabana Mahmood meanwhile is no favourite with residents within the regeneration zone. As they criticised her lack of support, controversial candidate Akhmed Yakoob hopes to capitalise on this disillusionment and nab Mahmood's seat.

We visited Ladywood on June 19 to ask residents about the biggest issues in their area ahead of the general election. George Smith 69, a critic of the Ladywood Estate Regeneration Scheme, said: "The most important issue is affordable housing and social housing in Birmingham."

Elizabeth Oudjoe, 42 didn't hold back saying: "Housing, because with the regeneration the council is looking to implement, we found they are not very forthcoming. They have held a lot of meetings in the name of consultation but they have not given us detailed answers to our questions.

"We have made contact with our MP who in my opinion completely ignored us, so I have no intention of voting for her at all."

Rebecca Ebanks 41, also complained about housing saying: "It's getting everything fixed and getting us a new home like promised, the council were supposed to do new windows in our block and we are getting nowhere. Our windows are full of damp and we have mould in our house, the whole block's got mould so why should I bother voting for somebody who won't help?"

Ash Iqbal, 31 is the eyes and ears of Ladywood working at the counter of an off licence. He revealed the confusion over the regeneration scheme saying: "People are mad confused about what's going on and a lot of people are kicking off.

"People are coming to me and saying 'it's no good' whereas myself I believe the council should just go ahead with it. I think the regeneration will be better for the area and Birmingham."

When asked to describe Rishi Sunak in three words Iqbal candidly said: "He's a waste man I got no words for him, he's an a-class idiot."

Ruby Magied, 51 described Sunak as "lacking vision for Britain."

It was on June 14 when Ladywood residents gathered to protest the regeneration plans that would see their beloved homes demolished. Seven existing tower blocks will be refurbished and new apartments constructed, surrounding homes will be knocked down and replaced with new apartments and houses.

The council has teamed up with luxury developer Berkeley Homes to redevelop the entire estate, including 1960s built maisonettes, tower blocks and homes less than three decades old, in the £2.2 billion scheme.

Addressing concerns Shabana Mahmood, Labour's candidate for Ladywood said: " Since the regeneration proposals were announced, I have surveyed 1,600 residents who live within the regeneration zone, met with affected residents, and raised the concerns of local people directly with the developers. I have also had productive discussions with representatives from Ladywood Unite.

"The council only have one chance to get this right and secure the future of Ladywood for generations to come. The council can and must do better."

Here is a full list of election candidates for Ladywood:

• Shabana Mahmood - Labour

• Shazna Muzammil - Conservative

• Akhmed Yakoob - Independent

• Irene Yoong-Henery - Reform UK

• Lee Dargue - Liberal Democrats

• Zoe Challenor - Green Party

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