WOODROW residents are now benefitting from improved facilities and decreased anti-social behaviour after the demolition of 24 garages.

Eckington Close, in Redditch, is the latest location to be developed under Redditch Council’s public realm improvements scheme which began in Matchborough in 2009.

Residents from the close were consulted on the proposals which were then put into action. A total of 24 old garages have been removed, a retaining wall has been rebuilt with new railings, a footpath has been resurfaced and a small grassed area added.

Councillor Rebecca Blake, who is ward member for Woodrow, said: "The new improvements are a boost for the people living in Eckington Close who have been waiting very patiently."

And Councillor Yvonne Smith, who is portfolio holder for community safety, added: "Not only have the improvements enhanced the look and feel of the area, they’ve also decreased anti-social behaviour which used to take place around the old garages."

Work took place over a phased three month period.

Eckington Close is the fifth location visited by the council’s continuing programme of turning old garages, often used simply for storage as they are too small for most modern vehicles, into useful new parking spaces and other enhancements. Sites are prioritised according to their assessed need.

For more information on the works at Eckington Close or on the garage demolition scheme, contact Matthew Mead on 01527 64252 ext 3345 or email matthew.mead@bromsgroveandredditch.gov.uk.