Building work starts for new homes
Building work is under way at a former door factory site, where new homes are being created.
The old Jebron site in Darlaston is being converted into 55 houses and 12 flats under a scheme to increase housing and improve the area's image.
Construction work is under way for the new properties being built on the land between Bright Street and School Street.
Hoardings surround the premises off Darlaston Road in King's Hill and digging machines can be seen at work.
The scheme was granted planning permission by Walsall Council last year.
Jebron was involved in the manufacturing of doors and fittings, and went into administration in December 2010 with the loss of 65 jobs.
Walsall-based foundry group Chamberlin & Hill then bought the assets of Jebron Ltd for £162,000.
Darlaston South ward representative Councillor Chris Bott said: "This is just what the King's Hill community has been asking for. These new homes are much needed and will brighten up the area especially with the money that the council has spent on revamping the park nearby.
"The new development is very much welcomed."
The project by developers Galliford Try Partnerships has attracted £50,000 towards improvements at King's Hill Park.
There are also plans in the pipeline to transform the old Servis UK washing machine site in nearby Darlaston Road that was demolished more than three years ago.
There are plans up for up to 250 homes to be built on the property.
A planning application has been submitted to Walsall Council by developer West Register Ltd, which is part of Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) to transform the land that is currently fenced off.
Moves to re-develop the premises near the town centre have been in limbo since the building was demolished.
At first consultations were held in 2011 over whether homes shops, restaurants and leisure facilities could be developed at the site, but no firm plans were produced.
RBS spokesman Erfan Hussain said: "We are working hard to develop plans that would mean over 200 new homes are built on the site.
"We know that the uncertainty on the future of the site has been a worry for the local community and we are hopeful that work can commence later this year or early 2015."
Servis UK fell into difficulties six years ago and administrators were called in during that autumn.
Servis had a long history in the town as the first washing machine was made in Darlaston in 1929. The firm became a powerhouse for employment in the ensuing decades.
