THEY look like slums from a different, less enlightened age or a land less wealthy than this.
The flats in Lillington Grove, Shard End, are a disgrace to a city as ambitious and successful as this. And action must be taken. Now.
Birmingham City Council has made great strides forward in improving conditions for its tenants.
But somehow these damp, damaged, cold and dire properties, a magnet for drug addicts and vandals, have been left to fester.
Responding to a barrage of criticism, the city's cabinet member for housing Coun John Lines has promised that the flats will be repaired.
We are confident that he will ensure that this work is carried out swiftly and efficiently.
No-one in 21st century Birmingham should have to endure conditions more suited to the days, thankfully, long since past.
The flats at Lillington Grove are a blight on this city's reputation and totally unsuitable for the 120 men, women and children who live there.
Our citizens deserve better.