WORK to build 250 new homes as part of a major development is set to get underway.

The properties are set to go up in the Canal Quarter created in Hanley as part of regeneration agency RENEW North Staffordshire’s City Waterside masterplan. Proposals have been on the drawing board for five years.

But the scheme has taken a major step forward after Stoke-on-Trent City Council announced road closures are to be introduced by the end of this week (June 4, 2010).

Permanent closures of Talbot Street, Berkeley Street and Howson Street will then mean work can begin.

Residents who live near the three streets say they are pleased about the closures as they are constantly full of cars left by people who go into Hanley.

Kerry Malpass, of Eastwood Road, a 35-year-old mum-of-two, said: “We get a lot of traffic coming through where the old houses have been knocked down. Most of the motorists speed and a lot of people park here when they go to work in Hanley. It will be much better when the roads are closed.”

Paula Edge, of Stubbs Lane, a 40-year-old housewife, added: “People park all along the roads so they don’t have to pay for parking in Hanley. I’ll be glad when work starts.”

The first task once the closures are in place will involve drilling and grouting works on disused mineshafts underneath the site. This is expected to take 13 weeks.

After that, the city council will manage a project to create development plots. Work on that start in the autumn and will last upto eight months.

Double yellow lines will also be put in place in Pelham Street and Bernard Street.

A developer is expected to be appointed later this year and the first houses will be built next Spring. The plans also involve creating a major new pedestrian route.

Councillor Brian Ward, the council’s cabinet member for housing, planning and transportation, said: “The development will act as a catalyst for future investment in the city and is a key step to the overall regeneration of Stoke-on-Trent. By creating pedestrianised areas we are helping to encourage residents and investors back into the city.”