THE green light has finally been given to demolish a row of eyesore derelict shops in Cradley.

The four ramshackle shops on Colley Gate, which have been deteriorating for three decades,  are now all owned by Dudley Council and bosses have approved plans to clear the site to make way for flats.

Contractors arrived on site this morning (Wednesday September 20) to begin preparation works to clear the land.

The local authority completed the purchase of 122, 124 and 126 Colley Gate this summer, following the serving of a Compulsory Purchase Order in January.

Last week council bosses gave the go-ahead to survey, demolish and clear the site on the corner of Colley Gate and Colley Lane, with planning approval in place for eight one-bed apartments to be built there.

Stourbridge News: How the flats, which will be named David Vickers Court, in memory of the late Halesowen councillor, will lookHow the flats, which will be named David Vickers Court, in memory of the late Halesowen councillor, will look (Image: Dudley Council)

Councillor Patrick Harley, leader of Dudley Council, said: "I have been very vocal that we should be doing all we can to bring vacant brownfield sites back into use to protect our green belt, as we are doing here.

"It’s been a long road to get to this point and I thank local people for bearing with us, but our patience and perseverance has paid off and we are now in a position to take this development forward.

Councillor Paul Bradley, deputy leader of Dudley Council, said: "These properties have been an eyesore in Colley Gate for far too long.

"It took us a long time to bring them into council ownership.

"But it’s important now we have them that we move quickly.

"That is why I am delighted to see workmen on site today to start clearing the land.

"I know this project means a great deal to local people and I hope they welcome this major milestone.

"It will allow us to move forward with plans to regenerate this corner of our borough with a new brownfield housing development."