Homes to go in plan for estate

Almost 300 homes are set to be demolished on Walsall's Goscote estate as plans were unveiled today to flatten it and replace the houses with more up-to-date properties.

Residents in Goscote Lodge Crescent, Middle Crescent and Hildicks Crescent would be affected by the demolition. The masterplan, drawn up by Walsall Housing Group and Walsall Council, includes more than 280 properties.

Housing bosses say the aim is to replace out-of-date properties with more modern housing along the Goscote Lane Corridor.

Of the 236 properties owned by WHG, which took over the borough's housing stock four years ago, bosses say 103 are standing empty.

A further 45 are privately owned and these residents are set to receive an offer for their property but even if they refuse to move, a Compulsory Purchase Order could be pursued.

Residents were informed of the developments at the weekend.

Carole Wildman, of WHG, said the scheme aimed to improve the neighbourhood and would not start for at least two years.

See Tuesday's Express & Star when residents affected by today's announcement will have their say.