Sutton Hill shops demolition under way

The final stage of the £7 million redevelopment of a Telford estate got under way today with the demolition of a row of old shops.

The buildings in the centre of Sutton Hill were making way for the new homes which will complete the regeneration scheme put in place by Telford & Wrekin Council.

The work has already seen the building of two new shops with four flats above, new roads and improved parking.

The start of the demolition was attended by David Wright, MP for Telford & Wrekin and Telford & Wrekin Council's members for the Sutton Hill ward, Councillors Derek White and Alan Mackenzie.

Mr Wright said: "This investment is a sign of intent to ensure that Sutton Hill has a bright future.

"What we have seen over the last few years is a radical transformation.

"We have got a working group involving councillors, myself and residents looking at how we can drive on the regeneration of the estate."

Sutton Hill resident Terry Branchflower, 39, who lives in the Sandcroft house visited by the Queen when she came to see the new estate in 1967, said he hoped the regeneration would lead to better things. He said: "It's a great start and hopefully it will see more money coming into the area."

The regeneration scheme was jointly funded by Telford & Wrekin Council and the Government's Homes and Communities Agency.