A father of four tragically ended his life following what his family described as severe stress and challenges caused by a local authority, an inquiry revealed.
Alistair Taylor, aged 34, had operated a successful barbershop for years until Blackpool Council abruptly terminated his lease at a local market, compelling him to relocate.
Subsequently, he was informed by the council that they planned to take over his family home through a ‘Compulsory Purchase Order’ to make way for a new educational facility, despite Alistair’s efforts to modify the house to suit the needs of his two disabled children.
During the inquiry at Blackpool Town Hall, it was detailed that various factors contributed to his mental health decline.
Coroner Alan Wilson emphasized that the loss of his business and residence had a significant impact on Alistair’s mental well-being, pointing out that the council had underestimated the potential consequences on him and his family.
Additionally, the inquiry highlighted Alistair’s increasing exposure to negative social media influences in the months leading up to his death, which strained his marriage further.
It was disclosed that Alistair and his wife had separated, with their relationship under significant pressure. Alistair’s behavior was described as erratic during a tense interaction with his wife shortly before his death.
Tragically, on October 4 last year, he took his own life by hanging.
His father stated that his son had endured extreme stress and hardships inflicted by the local authority in the years leading up to his passing.
According to Alistair’s family, he was caught off guard when Blackpool Council acquired the market where he operated his barbershop, resulting in the termination of his lease without warning, forcing him to find new business premises.
Furthermore, a year after losing his lease, he was notified that the council intended to buy his home in 2022 to build an educational campus, a property he had adapted for his disabled children.
Discussions about finding a new home for Alistair’s family were ongoing when he sadly took his life.
His father expressed that Alistair had faced immense stress and challenges due to the actions of Blackpool Council over three years, impacting his job, income, and residence.
The family highlighted that the council’s offers for a new house were unsatisfactory, prolonging the process until Alistair eventually accepted a proposal.
Alistair