VIDEO: North Kesteven District Council kicks off demolition of houses at Newfield Road in Sleaford

North Kesteven District Council is embarking on the two-and-a-half-year refurbishment and remodelling of its properties on Newfield Road in Sleaford to better suit the modern needs of tenants.

Residents have been temporarily vacating the houses ready for work to start. Six of the 70 homes will be knocked down to make way for a redesign of the road to improve safety and for the provision of a play park, and 18 extra homes are to be built in some of the ample rear gardens.

On Wednesday, work began on two of the six houses, which are adjoining others being retained. They are being taken down by hand.

This work will continue through to the Spring, ready for the main works, phased through to mid 2018.

The changes will vary but include ground floor extensions to create a dining area and open kitchen, study and additional WC/shower room, plus additional insulation and cladding.

Coun Stewart Ogden, who has Executive Board oversight for housing, helped remove the roof of the first building. He said: “This is a significant day as this is one of the sites that has been in need of redevelopment for the longest period and it has finally come to fruition. It is going to be fantastic for Sleaford.”