Red light district moves into new parts of city
Sex trade making life a misery for Handsworth locals and businesses
WOMEN plying their trade stood, half-naked, in the windows of Birmingham homes, red lights glaring down. Others simply walked the streets.
Kerb crawlers would travel across the country to meet with up to 450 prostitutes who were working in Balsall Heath.
In the late 1980s, the seedy streets were ruled by violent pimps and gangs. Even the police officers were said to be fearful. The city’s notorious ‘red light district’ almost became a no-go area – where residents were beaten in robberies and condoms littered the streets.
But the embattled local community fought back. Through picket lines, CCTV cameras and monitoring, working alongside the police, gradually the problem streets were clawed and prostitution was pretty much eradicted 25 years ago.
But it wasn’t completely wiped out. Handsworth residents feared the sex trade problem was bound to move somewhere. Now it appears to be an increasing problem in Soho Road.
Recently it was revealed that prostitutes – often vulnerable women needing support – were loitering on the corners of Soho Road to sell sex from as early as 8am. A jeweller on the main road recalled how he was ‘confronted by pimps’ after taking photos to send to police.
Clearing out condoms and syringes from a car park was described as a ‘daily task’ by shopkeepers. Amid the problems, a punter was reportedly mugged as he took out his wallet to show a sex worker his cash.
Traders now fear shoppers, especially families, are being driven away by the area’s issues; ranging from prostitution and begging to antisocial behaviour and daytime drinking. A motorist driving through the area noted the worrying youth of some of the girls.
Annette Jennings said: “I was driving late at night not too long ago and it’s sad at how young some of these girls are.”
Benjamin Farrier said he had never seen the area as “bad” as it is today.
He added: “From prostitution to flytipping and anti-social behaviour to shootings and stabbings.
“There is always sirens being heard all day from someone who has lived in the area nearly 42 years – I’ve
never seen it this bad.”
Ranbir Singh Badhan said: “It’s horrible to see the decline of Soho Road. It is now a place I avoid at all costs. It needs more police around the area at all hours.”
Jon Lea said: “I suppose since they cleaned up Balsall Heath, it all had to move somewhere.”
Joseph Fitzpatrick added: “It used to be the Varna Rd area. Till the local residents drove them out.”