Work has finally started on flattening a row of yob-magnet shops in Rowley Regis.

The News highlighted the shabby state of the burnt-out buildings on Harvest Road, on the Brickhouse Estate back in September.

Now approval has been given to knock them down - kick-starting the next stage of an ambitious regeneration plan on the estate.

The work is expected to take around three to five weeks.

Leader of the council Cllr Bill Thomas: "At last this small shopping precinct, which had been labelled the Beirut of Rowley Regis' is biting the dust and will complete the regeneration on the Brickhouse Estate.

"This will now provide a substantial pocket of land which will then be used for redevelopment and will eradicate this focus of anti-social behaviour."

The development will add to the proposed £700k community centre in the grounds of Brickhouse Primary School, Dudhill Road.

Dubbed a lifeline' to the estate by council chiefs, the new centre will house a Sure Start team to help families in the area with employment as well as their children's health and development. It will also house a training suite and meeting space for clubs and groups.