THE long-awaited demolition of a row of eyesore shops in Colley Gate is just days away, with fencing and scaffolding now installed at the site ahead of work getting underway.

Work to take down the empty buildings, which have long blighted the area, is planned to start from February 26, with the work expected to take around five to six weeks.

The disused shops are now owned by Dudley Council following the serving of a Compulsory Purchase Order which led to the successful acquisition of the properties last year and the site has been earmarked for eight new homes.

Councillor Paul Bradley, deputy leader of the council, said: “It is great to see that we have moved a step closer towards bringing down these buildings, which have long been an eyesore for the people of Colley Gate.

“We have always insisted on a brownfield-first policy when it comes to developments in our borough, to protect our green belt, and it is vital sites like this one are brought back into use.

“I would like to thank the local community for getting behind us on this one - and look forward to seeing the site cleared and redeveloped.”

The site is expected to be cleared by late March.