DEMOLITION work has finally started on a Hereford street where 71 new homes will be built.

The prefab bungalows in Beattie Avenue will be replaced by a mixture of new bungalows and houses with parking, private spaces and changes to the road.

Plans for the demolition were given to go-ahead by Herefordshire Council in July, and work started today (February 5).

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Most of the bungalows along the street have been vacated, but one resident still living in Beattie Avenue said it's good the work is finally underway.

"It's about time we see some progress really, it's just been so long coming," Julie Dutton said.

"It's just disheartening, but it's nice to see now. They've said it will take about three weeks for them to demolish them so they're not going to be quick about it.

"It is moving. The site manager has said it's going to get noisier."

Mrs Dutton added one of the reasons she's happy to see the old buildings go is because the street hasn't been the same since most of the residents vacated their properties.

"The road and the neighbourhood went four years ago, we lost a lovely community," she said.

"It's going to be all mixed now when the houses go up, it'll be a mixed community. I don't mind the older people or the young, I get on with anyone to be honest with you."

The plans for the street include 21 social rents for existing residents of the street, 19 private rental homes, 11 for affordable rental, 10 homes for shared ownership and 10 for rent to buy.

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The developers' aim is to provide an attractive and appropriate scheme that reflects the scale of the neighbourhood.

They say they will use a mixture of red and grey bricks for walls along with light grey and yellow render and timber porches. The roofs will be made of concrete tiles.