... there was a lack of finance and interest in improving people's living conditions. It was the end of the First World War that started the changes. In the King's Speech to Local Government representatives in 1919, the King stressed the need to improve "the unhealthy, ugly, overcrowded house ... if drink and crime are to be successfully combated". Extract from King's Speech, April 1919 The first areas that were cleared for new housing were Beech Hill and Ridyard Street, which were redeveloped in the 1920's with semi-detached houses with gardens. George Orwell described these houses as "...well built and are quite agreeable to look at." He described the tenants as being "very well satisfied with their house and proud of it." New Council Housing at Beech Hill, 1930's Other housing, such as ...

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