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A NEW era is about to dawn for one of Liverpool's key regeneration areas, as demolition begins on hundreds of older terraced properties in Edge Hill.

The first phase of demolitions is now starting as part of the Housing Market Renewal programme on Merseyside, marking real progress on the transformation of this historic neighbourhood.

The houses will be replaced with 300 brand new family homes with gardens, safe routes to schools, green streets to local parks, a community hub, and space for businesses and shops.

Local residents who were displaced by the programme were given first option on nearby developments on Tunnel Road, Gilead Street and Lomond Road.

Norma Lee, chair of the Edge Hill Housing and Issues Focus Group, and Norma Williams, chair of Kensington Regeneration, have worked tirelessly to represent the views of local people.

Norma Lee says: "There is a strong history to this community, and a real sense of identity. We realised that drastic changes were necessary, and this is the real beginning. The start of the demolition has taken us one step closer to it all becoming a reality. I have lived in Edge Hill all my life and in my present home for the last 49 years. Leaving it will be emotional, but I am looking forward to a new start. It's been a long process, but it will be worth it."

Around 900 houses in total will be demolished in the Kensington New Deal for Communities area, most of them in Edge Hill. The area was chosen for housing market renewal because it did not meet modern day living needs.

The Kensington HMR area as a whole covers 5500 properties, and work there includes a mix of new build, repair and clearance. Most properties were acquired through negotiation, and the plans were discussed by local people, but a compulsory purchase order was also approved by the Government in 2006.

Marilyn Fielding, executive member for safer, stronger communities at Liverpool City Council and NewHeartlands board member, said: "We are delighted that the transformation of Edge Hill is now becoming a reality - a lot of hard work has been done, by Liverpool City Council, by Kensington Regeneration, by the housing market renewal team, by residents and by other partners. Pulling together we can build on the existing strengths of this community to make it a fantastic place to live."