AN eyesore building in Dudley town centre will be demolished to make way for affordable housing.

Concern was mounting amongst people living and working near the former Welcome Home Designs furniture store in Wolverhampton Street as it had been empty for more than nine years and fallen into disrepair.

Simon Townend, who previously described it as "the most unwelcoming building you could imagine", started a petition in March, calling for Dudley Council to take action.

The petition, which attracted more than 117 signatures, urged the council to liaise with the owners of the building and the adjacent former brass stamping factory ensure the sites were swiftly made "safe and tidy".

Council bosses have now announced that the authority has purchased the old furniture store to "kick-start the regeneration" of Wolverhampton Street as a "priority".

The building, next to the Texaco petrol station, will be bulldozed with the aim of building affordable housing on the site.

Councillor Patrick Harley, leader of the council, said: “We want to make Dudley town centre a more attractive place for people to live, work and shop.

“Wolverhampton Street is one of the key routes into the town. This is just the first of a number of planned schemes and we are committed to spending money wisely in the right places so people get a better first impression when they drive in.”

Councillor Les Jones, cabinet member for housing, said: “With our population growing, creating more affordable housing is a key priority for us.

“This scheme is a double win – if we get planning permission, it will allow us to build new town centre social housing while at the same time getting rid of an eyesore. It just makes sense really.”

Mr Townend said: "I'm delighted that the building is unlikely to be an eyesore for much longer. But I hope the council will let us see the plans and will work with local people."