A short drive in Wolverhampton reveals a stark contrast in living conditions. Just a mile separates affluent Tettenhall from the deprived Whitmore Reans, highlighting inequality.
Wolverhampton: In just four minutes, you can go from a wealthy area to a deprived one. Tettenhall and Whitmore Reans are less than a mile apart.
The living standards here are very different. Government data shows how neighborhoods can be close but have huge gaps in quality of life.
Areas in dark red are the most deprived, while blue areas are the wealthiest. The darker the blue, the more affluent the area.
Whitmore Reans has streets in orange and red. But just northwest, Tettenhall and nearby areas are shaded in blue, showing their wealth.
Many drivers use the route through Tettenhall and Whitmore Reans, especially when heading to Wolves’ Molineux Stadium. Tettenhall is a desirable town, home to some footballers.
The main road, the A41, takes you past parks and a clock tower before crossing Smestow Brook. It’s a scenic drive into the city center.
On Newhampton Road West, David Gratton, 61, was out shopping. He said the area is friendly but mentioned drug issues near the Avion Centre. He doesn’t think it’s deprived.
David noticed drug use in a phone box and said he’s seen syringes there. He also mentioned pollution but doesn’t drive, saying he can’t afford a car.
He expressed disappointment over rising bus fares, which went from £2 to £2.90. He feels this affects people financially and complicates travel.
Despite the issues, David finds the shops friendly and doesn’t consider the area deprived. He’s lived there on and off for decades.
Ingrid Irvine, 53, works at Whitmore Reans Glass Ltd. She thinks the area needs cleaning up and wishes people would stop littering.
She shared that crime is a concern, recalling an attempted robbery at her home. Thieves tried to break in through the roof but couldn’t get inside.
Ingrid compared Whitmore Reans to Tettenhall, saying it’s much wealthier. She serves customers from various places, including Bridgnorth and Birmingham.
She believes every area has its problems and just needs a little cleanup.
