A FORMER Dudley community centre is set to be demolished to make way for housing.

St Thomas’s Community Network closed its doors in September last year after serving residents in Kates Hill for 26 years.

Increasing running costs and lack of funding were to blame for the closure of the network, which was a base for community groups, educational classes, a nursery, furniture store and GP practice.

Ward councillor and former chairman of the trustees at the centre, Steve Waltho, said he had "mixed feelings" about the plans, which he said would see around 30 new homes built on the Beechwood Road site.

Cllr Waltho, who is also the Mayor of Dudley, added: "On one hand I'm still obviously very sad that we have lost a fantastic community facility but unfortunately, that's life and it goes on.

"If we could have chose anything to replace it it would be affordable housing, something that will hopefully benefit the very deprived community.

"I think the fact the council are utilising the site fairly quickly is a good thing, there are so many derelict sites across the borough."

Dudley Council was given a grant from the government's Homes and Communities Agency for the development and demolition work is expected to start next month.