A scheme to breathe new life into a derelict Wem timberyard and build 84 much-needed new homes in the town has now started.

Engineers have begun work on the new housing estate that will stand on the former Isherwoods site in Aston Street, which has been regarded as an eyesore for nearly a decade.

The new development – called Saxon Fields – will include one and two-bedroom apartments, and two, three and four-bedroom mews and detached homes.

Development agency Advantage West Midlands bought the site for £2.2 million in 2002 after Isherwoods closed and they believe the new development will help bolster the town’s economy.

Housebuilder Morris was given the go ahead by North Shropshire District Council to develop the site at the end of last year.

A spokesman for Morris Homes said: “Civil engineering has now started on the site which means laying the road network.

“The construction of the first properties will begin over the next couple of months and the first properties are expected to be launched early next year.”

Ian Edwards, partnerships manager at Advantage West Midlands, said: “We are delighted that this prime piece of development land will be transformed into housing for local people.

“The mix of homes means that there are options for first time buyers as well as families and the development will give a huge boost to the economy of Wem.”