Demolition of 'hated' eyesore starts

One of the most reviled eyesores in Walsall town centre is finally being demolished.

These pictures show the start of the long-awaited destruction of former music venue The Overstrand, which is being torn down as part of the £21 million revamp of the Old Square Shopping Centre.

It will be completely removed from the landscape on Bank Holiday Monday.

Leader of Walsall Council Mike Bird said: "I have to say if I am remembered for anything, I think myself and Councillor Adrian Andrew will be remembered as the pair who got rid of The Overstrand which blighted the vista for 40 years.

"It's probably the most hated structure in Walsall, closely followed by Mellish Road church. To see it go, in my mind, is a milestone in the history of Walsall."