WORK on a major regeneration project in Cricklade which will bring 109 new homes to the area began on Monday.

The occasion was marked with the start of demolition of four houses on White Horse Road in the Culverhay estate.

Former residents of the old pre-fabricated houses which are being replaced with eight smaller red brick properties were there to push the button and officially begin the regeneration process.

Tina Lane lived in one of the houses for 10 years with her two sons, two cats and a dog.

Miss Lane, 45, said: "I think it'll look much better and nicer, the gardens are too big and unmanageable currently.

"I love living here, I like the cul-de-sacs because they're safer, especially for older people. We all look out for each other and there's a great community spirit."

A total of 65 homes will be demolished and 109 energy-efficient homes will be built in their place.

They will be a mixture of shared ownership, affordable rent, and for general sale.

The project will be carried out in phases over the next few years, the first of which received planning permission in April.

Staff from housing development group GreenSquare, including chief executive Howard Toplis and board chairman Hilary Gardner, also visited the site to watch the proceedings and chat to residents.

They were joined by representatives from Wiltshire Council, Cricklade Town Council, and GreenSquare’s chosen contractor for the project, E G Carter & Co Ltd.

Phil Bowley is overseeing the project at GreenSquare.

He said: "We were looking to replace some of the housing on the estate as some of it was built after the Second World War and it has a shelf life.

"At the same time, there was a need for more housing in the area and Cricklade councillors were looking for areas where new homes could be built for their Neighbourhood Plan.

"Today's event went really well, the weather has been great and it's important that we work with the residents and make the process as easy as possible for them. We're really excited and pleased that the residents who moved out wanted to celebrate the start of this.

"It's taken four years of planning to get to this point, we think we can make a really big difference to Cricklade."

The project also promises to improve the public areas of the neighbourhood, address road safety and provide better parking for those who live there.

After demolition began, locals were invited to choose seven names from a shortlist of 10 for the new streets on the estate. The names were thought up by a local steering group and they all relate to the history and natural wildlife of Cricklade.

When the Adver popped down to visit the estate, Willow was by far the most popular street name.

Cricklade Town Council chairman councillor Mark Clarke said: “Cricklade Town Council is delighted to see the commencement of works on site.

"The scheme is a very complex and sensitive one and I would like to compliment GreenSquare on how they have involved the community at each stage.”