Demolition starts at drug-plagued Oswestry estate

The demolition of a drug-plagued housing estate has started after council planners agreed new affordable homes can be built in its place.

Flats on Swan Lane in Oswestry are being knocked down. Affordable homes will be built in their place.

The go-ahead for the demolition of 48 flats in Swan Lane in Oswestry was given on Monday and by Tuesday diggers were on site and had started work.

Residents living opposite the demolition site said today they were delighted to see the flats being knocked down.

The move to demolish Swan Lane flats was backed after council chiefs admitted the areass reputation for anti-social behaviour and drug use was making it difficult to find tenants willing to move in.

A total of 19 affordable homes will be built once the flats are knocked down and the site cleared and the new estate will be designed in a way in which the opportunities for criminal activity are reduced.

Young mother Sam Cobb said she had lived opposite the flats for 18 months and only agreed to move in after it was confirmed the flats would go.

She said: I think everybody is relieved to see them go. The kids liked to play over there but because of the drugs and everything you were always worried.

I think this will help build the community and get rid of the bad name.

Neighbour Eileen Norman, who moved opposite the flats eight months ago, added: There have been problems. It is brilliant the flats are being removed.

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Demolition starts at drug-plagued Oswestry estate