RESIDENTS have told of their joy at learning an eyesore former pub site is to be cleared away to make way for new homes.

The former Merry-go-Round pub site in Bury St Edmunds has been repeatedly targeted by arsonists since it was shut down as a result of fire more than 11 years ago.

After protracted negotiations over the plot’s future, Havebury Housing Partnership has now agreed terms with the current landlord of the site to turn it into a raft of new affordable homes.

Eight new homes will be built on the St Olaves Road site thanks in part to a �560,000 grant from the Homes and Communities Agency and support from St Edmundsbury Borough Council.

Howard estate resident Ernie Broom said: “At long, long, long last this seems to be going ahead. We’ve campaigned for this all these years and the spin-off will not only be that we get rid of an eyesore but we’ve also got �50,000 from the landowners to develop the front of the shopping precinct (around the corner in St Olaves Road).

“The whole of this area should be coming together. We have been very, very patient and at long last it seems to be coming together.”

Sheila Wormleighton, chairman of Havebury’s operations committee, said: “I am delighted that, at last, we have the finance in place to proceed with this development which the local community and borough council are in full support of.

“It’s been a long haul but one worth making for the community on the Howard Estate. This project should provide a great new signature development for the changing face of the precinct and much needed affordable homes.”