Title: 'Eyesore' Bromford tower blocks are demolished, after falcons left. (UK)
Post by: Donna on 20-Feb-11, 08:58:12 AM
TWO tower blocks branded eyesores by locals are finally being demolished.
Work began yesterday to pull down Bayley and Stoneycroft Towers, in Bromford, after a five-year delay.
Attempts by Birmingham City Council to demolish the 20-storey blocks have been frustrated by first, the recession, and then a family of peregrine falcons.
The council had finally secured the funds to demolish the blocks last year when they found two falcons had made a nest at the top of Bayley Tower and hatched four chicks.
Demolition could not start until the birds flew off, which they did at the end of last year.
Both tower blocks have been empty for nearly four years after the city council paid tenants more than £1 million between them in compensation for the upheaval of moving out.
The council then had to foot a £100,000 bill each year for security because the blocks were being repeatedly targeted by arsonists.
Birmingham Mail.net
Work began yesterday to pull down Bayley and Stoneycroft Towers, in Bromford, after a five-year delay.
Attempts by Birmingham City Council to demolish the 20-storey blocks have been frustrated by first, the recession, and then a family of peregrine falcons.
The council had finally secured the funds to demolish the blocks last year when they found two falcons had made a nest at the top of Bayley Tower and hatched four chicks.
Demolition could not start until the birds flew off, which they did at the end of last year.
Both tower blocks have been empty for nearly four years after the city council paid tenants more than £1 million between them in compensation for the upheaval of moving out.
The council then had to foot a £100,000 bill each year for security because the blocks were being repeatedly targeted by arsonists.
Birmingham Mail.net