Residents in Mansfield have spoken out in favour of the demolition of a derelict community centre to make way for social housing.
The old community centre, on Saundby Avenue, has already been destroyed with work now underway on four two-bedroom houses.
Plans were submitted by the council in December 2020 as part of a wider scheme to bring life to disused community halls across the district.
Locals have said that, when it was standing, the centre had not been used by people in years.
Some residents have attributed the relatively high average age of the community as a reason for it being under-used, and say that they welcome the chance for more families to be moved into the area.
Bowling machine mechanic Julian Siggee, 61, who lives next to the site, said: "For me, it is a fantastic idea.
"I have always been an advocate for social housing and anything that is going to help new families find a home is good for me.
"The age bracket on this estate is quite high. You get a mixture of pensioners and those that are forty-plus.
"There are lots of youth centres and community centres all around here in places where you have more young people.
"I always like to hear kids playing outside and there is enough room for that on this estate so I welcome new families."
Alan Burrows, 47, added: "That centre was never being used so you may as well knock it down and get a use out of it.
"The area could do with some more families - not a hall that nobody goes into"
The community building, part of the Labybrook estate, is one of 10 sites across the district that have been earmarked for similar proposals.
Patrick Chilton, 65, resident of Saundy Avenue, said: "The community centre used to be alright but like a lot of things it has just been forgotten about round here and nobody was using it.
"Houses for more people doesn't bother me but there are other things round here that need attention too.
"It would be nice if some action was taken to fix a few other things instead of us having to do it.
"I suppose families moving in would be good for the area."
Plans to build the social houses were decided on Wednesday, October 6, by Mansfield District Council and the demolition of the hall is already underway.
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