Derrick beat the bulldozers

From the archive, first published Tuesday 31st Jan 2006.

DERRICK Bright is something of an unsung hero - but his persistence in lobbying the city council has earned him recognition from our Pride In Worcestershire campaign.

Mr Bright, a retired ice cream man, saved hundreds of houses from being knocked down.

Ten years ago he formed a group and got national experts on board to prove Waites concrete houses could be renovated and saved.

Mr Bright, now aged 74, said: "I go around Worcester now and I think, `I've given my little bit.'

"The houses were in jeopardy of being knocked down so I got people involved and we had a meeting at the Guildhall."

The houses are now still standing in Tolladine, Brickfields and Dines Green.

"I was adamant it would work," said Mr Bright, of Ryeland Close, Blackpole, Worcester.

"People bought the houses for £3-7,000 and they're now worth £150,000.

" I did what I had to do."

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