WORK has begun to revamp a derelict Wordsley shop which was once described as a blot on the landscape.

The shop, which is sandwiched between the Richardson Hall and a Chinese takeaway in Lawnswood Road is currently undergoing refurbishment after being the subject of an enforcement notice.

UKIP councillor and prospective parliamentary candidate for Dudley South Paul Brothwood said: "This has been a long time coming.

"The shop had remained derelict for decades and had become such an eyesore with broken glass outside, that it had reached a point where it was also becoming a health hazard.

"There had been a problem contacting the owner, but once that was established, progress had been made and I'm over the moon with the work that is now taking place.

"New windows and doors have already been installed and although there are still a few bits and pieces that need being done, it should soon be ready to let as new business premises.

"It was letting the area down, especially when you consider all the hard work that has taken place to the recently refurbished Richardson Hall by volunteers from the Prince's Trust.

"However there are still a number of other shops in the area, such as Sandringham Place, which are still in a state of disrepair and I'm looking to find a solution here as well."