DEMOLITION workers will move onto a former sheltered housing block in Park South, local residents have been told.

The demolition of George Gay Gardens, off Queens Drive, is expected to take several weeks.

In an update for South Swindon Parish Council, a borough housing officer said demolition works should be complete by the end of April. Letters had been delivered informing locals them of the plans.

Work had been held up last year by the discovery of three bats in the building’s stairwell. Park South residents were asked to rehome the animals.

George Gay Gardens currently stands empty. It was closed in 2016, with some residents left in tears when they were told they had to move out.

The council wants to replace it with new affordable housing. A planning application is expected to be submitted in the spring.