Work to demolish an "eyesore" office block in a busy Nottingham street is finally under way - with shops and apartments set to take its place.
The former Forest Mill building in Alfreton Road has stood empty for decades and has previously been described as a public hazard by residents - it has been blighted by graffiti.
Part of the building has previously been demolished but scaffolding went up on the remainder of the site in April and machinery has been used in the last week to level part of it.
One business owner who is happy to see the work taking place is Michael Woolnough, whose The Motorist Centre shop is opposite the building.
He said: "I am quite pleased about it. It has been an eyesore for a long time so I am quite happy and I'll get some nice views for the next few weeks - before they put something else there.
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"Around 20 years ago when I came here I was told it was supposed to come down and I was looking forward to it then. We are mostly online now so the premises is used more as a stock area. It is not going to have as big an impact on us anymore but I am pleased it is getting done."
The block was built during the 1960s and its most recent use was as a timber shop.
Approval has previously been given to create an eight-storey building which will be made up of commercial units and apartments. Outline planning permission has also been granted for a further 229 homes.
People in the area have welcomed signs of work taking place in the area.
When the scaffolding went up, Martha Hill, 29, of Radford, said: "It's an eyesore and has been hit by graffiti before. It's serving no purpose as it stands, so it would be good to see it changed."
Mark Williams, 33, also of Radford, added: "It looks shoddy and brings the area down a bit. It would be good to see it brought down and replaced with something more modern.
"It'll bring some shoppers here and get more people in the area which can only be a good thing."
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