DEMOLITION work is set to start on two high rise tower blocks in Netherton, it has been announced.

Arley and Compton Court, based on Swan Street, will be pulled down after Dudley Council appointed contractors Colemans to carry out the demolition.

Work will start soon and is expected to be completed by December this year.

It is hoped the demolition will pave the way for new housing developments in the future, with the demolition of nearby Wells and Manor Court expected to start in the autumn.

Councillor Laura Taylor, cabinet member for housing, communities and residents’ welfare, said: "The blocks served their purpose when they were first built in post-war Britain but in recent years, they had seen better days and I’m glad we’ve reached this key milestone.

"With the support of residents throughout this project and our ambition to continue building new modern homes, we’re now able to pave the way for exciting new opportunities in the future."

The four blocks were built in the 1960s and were deemed no longer fit for purpose after a survey of the council's housing stock revealed it would cost millions of pounds to bring them to modern standards.

More than 180 tenants have been moved into alternative housing after Dudley Council took the decision to demolish the blocks in 2016.