‘Labour will struggle’: Birmingham voters in a bind – and not just over Gaza

Local issues are predicted to have an impact, with huge anger over a planned regeneration scheme that will demolish 2,000 homes in Ladywood. Composite: Guardian Design

On a Wednesday afternoon, despite the pouring rain, Alum Rock Road is buzzing with activity. The busy thoroughfare in Birmingham is clogged with cars, and families flit in and out of shops that are selling bowls of fruit, colourful fabrics and sizzling kebabs.

Every few metres a Palestinian flag is pinned in a shop window or draped off a lamp-post.