Bricks laid for new homes on former eyesore pub

Wolverhampton's mayor Linda Leach and deputy council leader Steve Evans (centre pair) visited the site with representatives of Keon Homes and Black Country Housing

Work has started to build new homes on the site of a former pub in Bilston which had been plagued by anti-social behaviour.

Plans to build 19 affordable homes where the Happy Wanderer once stood alongside derelict garages were approved in March.

The pub on Green Lanes was subject to arson attacks and anti-social behaviour since closing in 2017 and was demolished in 2021.

City of Wolverhampton Council deputy leader and cabinet member for Housing, Steve Evans, said he was "delighted" to see the first bricks being laid.

Black Country Housing Group is building 13 two and three-bedroom houses, and six one-bedroom flats.

The all-electric properties have been designed to be energy efficient.

“Our planners worked hard with the previous owners of this site, encouraging them to make it safe and remove the risk of further anti-social behaviour, for the benefit of the local community in Bilston," Evans said.

“Black Country Housing Group and Keon Homes are now progressing the site, and I am delighted to see the first bricks coming out of the ground for these much-needed homes that will support residents and businesses in the area.”

The housing group's Chief Executive, Amanda Tomlinson, said the mixture of one, two and three-bedroom homes would help meet the housing needs of the community.