Demolition teams have moved into Park Wood for the start of the final phase of a £50m scheme to regenerate the neighbourhood.

Work has started on Phase 3 of Golding Homes’ regeneration project, which will see the 1960s shops and flats in Wallis Avenue torn down and replaced with 56 homes and two additional shops.

Phases 1 and 2 of the scheme were completed in March this year with the development of 146 new homes, as well as the creation of a new shopping area and community centre.

Many of the shop traders transferred over from the outdated shopping parade to the new retail units situated within a pedestrianised area across the road with flats above and a landscaped community square.

Owner of the Beauty Closet, Angela Raper, was among the eight shop traders who moved to the new shops earlier this year.

She said: “It will be sad to see the old shop go as I had been there for over 15 years and have many happy memories, but I absolutely love my new shop.

"It is bright and airy and my customers can park directly outside. I have exciting plans for my business and am looking forward to the future.”

Keith Mandy, head of regeneration and construction for Golding Homes said: “We are delighted to have made a start on the final phase of this major development.

"This scheme has transformed the centre of Park Wood and created an attractive and safer environment where people choose to live, and we are really grateful to everyone who has contributed to the success of this project."