WORK has started on the final phase of redeveloping Clive Parade in Pinehurst.

The former Victoria Wine shop and the old Post Office, which were nearest the car park, are both being knocked down, to be replaced by three shops with flats.

It is not yet known who will move in to the rebuilt shops.

Cowling Homes Ltd spokesman Colin Stribling said tenders for the building work had gone out. Work was expected to start in March, and was likely to take between six and nine months.

In 1998, Swindon Council granted planning permission for a multi-million-pound development at the parade, including demolition of several shops and a derelict garage and the building of six new shops, nine flats and public toilets.

All but three of the shops and the same number of flats, have already been built. The shops already completed include a veterinary surgeon, a video shop and a Chinese takeaway.

The revamp started in 1995 when it was discovered part of the

council-owned parade was suffering from concrete cancer and almost half the 15 shops in the row were boarded up.

Before the parade became badly run down it had boasted a Post Office, two banks, a butcher and a greengrocer.

The first moves to revamp the parade came after elderly residents complained they were too frightened to visit because it was a haunt for gangs of youths. Now the complex is home to several businesses and a thriving youth drop in centre.