DEMOLITION work was set to start this week on the former Weavers Arms pub in Rockwell Green.

The next phase of work to build 26 new council homes in the village will include the removal of overhead power lines and demolition of the Weavers Arms façade.

Contractor WRW Construction is implementing a temporary road closure order in Popes Lane which began on Monday and runs through to February 3.

The council has informed local residents about the plans with diversion routes being published.

Cllr Terry Beale, executive councillor for Housing Services, said: “The council is committed to providing high quality social housing and this scheme is part of the ongoing programme of investment and regeneration. While it is regrettable that the road closure may cause some inconvenience it is necessary to ensure the work is carried out safely and without interruption.”

The £3.6 million scheme to regenerate the area includes demolition of the Weavers Arms public house, the adjacent public toilet block and ten Woolaway properties in Oaken Ground.

The new sustainable community will provide a mix of one-, two-, three and four-bedroomproperties including flats, houses and bungalows with some wheelchair-suitable properties.

The modern, energy efficient homes with car parking will meet a range of housing needs for the area, including affordable housing.