Derelict flats in Blackbird Leys have finally fallen prey to bulldozers -- and rotting homes in Rose Hill are soon to suffer the same fate.

Councillor Val Smith at Butterworth Place

Residents were celebrating on December 10 after the entire block of empty flats in Butterwort Place was brought down.

Two decaying houses in Nowell Road and one in Lambourn Road, Rose Hill, will soon be given the same treatment.

The properties have blighted both communities for years.

The houses in Rose Hill have lain empty for nearly three years and rubbish, including old mattresses and cookers, are regularly dumped in the gardens.

Earlier this year, councillors agreed they should be demolished and replaced with state-of-the-art energy-saving homes, which could be used as a model for how the rest of the estate is developed.

Drug-dealers, gangs of youths and vandals had made the Blackbird Leys flats their haven since the properties were vacated following an arson attack in 1999.

Families living near the properties were concerned about anti-social behaviour. It remains unclear what will replace them.

Councillors made promises but, for nearly three years, failed to take action.

The demolition of the Rose Hill homes has been delayed because conservation officers feared bats were living inside the buildings.

However, checks by the council last week confirmed there were no bats and the homes could be destroyed.

Val Smith, Oxford City Council's executive member for housing, said: "These properties are long overdue for demolition, and the council is committed to this.

"The community want to see derelict properties demolished and replaced with new affordable housing.

"We have already signalled in the new draft budget more than £10m of new money for affordable housing, and discussions have started with a housing association for redevelopment of Butterwort Place.

She added: "Redevelopment plans for Nowell Road have been agreed, and the Orlit homes will be replaced."