DEMOLITION work has started to make way for 49 new homes in Banbury.

Cherwell District Council will demolish Orchard Lodge off Warwick Road, Calthorpe House in Calthorpe Street and Lincoln House in Woodgreen Avenue.

Describing the sites as “eyesores,” the council bought them in December last year as part of its Build! programme.

Debbie Pickford, lead member for housing, said: “These are three substantial buildings in Banbury, yet all have stood empty for several years.

“Rather than continuing to leave them vacant and falling into disrepair, we want to put these prominent sites to good use and provide much needed housing.

“Not only will these create homes in premium locations, it will transform the look of the area and bring these redundant brownfield sites back into use.”

This week saw demolition work start at Orchard Lodge, a former care home, with work at Calthorpe and Lincoln houses due to start in the coming weeks.

The sites will be rebuilt to provide 16 shared-ownership properties at Orchard Lodge, 15 rented properties at Calthorpe House and 18 equity loan properties at Lincoln House.

All three projects are set for completion by summer 2015.

The Build! project involves residents doing some construction work themselves in exchange for cheaper rents or house prices.

Interested people are encouraged to register by emailing build@cherwell-dc.gov.uk,