A think tank has used two regeneration success stories to come up with a series of recommendations – including introducing ‘micro mayors’ – for wannabe Big Society communities to learn from.

Following the lead of Castle Vale and Balsall Heath as ‘examples of community regeneration, collective efficacy and civic re-engagement’ could help ‘inject some gritty realism into the Big Society narrative’, according to research into the two Birmingham estates by Demos.

Civic streets – the Big Society in action said Castle Vale had previously been a ‘dumping ground for problem tenants’, whereas Balsall Heath was infamous as the city’s red light district.

Castle Vale’s methods – which included establishing a housing association with power and responsibility devolved to local people – helped to lower crime levels, demolish and rebuild 2,275 houses and address health and unemployment concerns.

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