Demolition of old and dilapidated building begins

The council said the new building would have space for shops on the ground floor

Demolition of a deteriorating town centre building is under way, to make way for new flats and shops.

The building, in Wellington, was described as old and dilapidated and its replacement would be in keeping with the surrounding architecture, council bosses said.

The development, where Walker Street and Duke Street meet, will be part of a wider project to regenerate the town, Telford and Wrekin Council confirmed.

Plans show that the building will include 13 homes on the upper floors and space for two new shops on the ground floor.

The work has been funded by the council, which has received government support for the work, which will start with "groundworks, underpinning, and the erection of a new steel-framed masonry structure".

The authority promised to minimise disruption and the noise and dust while the work takes place.

Lee Carter, the leader of the council, said he hoped the new building would "drive new businesses and more footfall to the town".