Former medics' homes in Wordsley are sold

Vandal-hit doctors' houses left derelict for years have been sold at auction, raising nearly £1 million for a Black Country hospital trust.

The properties in Ashdown Drive, in Wordsley, were put under the hammer by bosses at The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust on Thursday.

And all eight sold for higher than their guide prices, raking in £839,000 for the trust as they sold for between £95,000-£110,000 each, compared to original estimates of between £93,00- £98,000.

The houses were the target of vandals since medics moved out up to five years ago. They were used by staff from Wordsley Hospital before it was closed in 2005.

They were part of a block of 19 homes in the road used by the NHS for staff accommodation. A further four homes were sold around Christmas.

Estate agents Lex Allan held the auction and sales director Stewart Allcock said the homes had been a magnet for metal thieves.

He said: "I can understand many people wanted to see them sold. They were made safe and secure before their sale."

Hospital trust chief executive Paula Clarke added: "The money raised will be invested in clinical services."