WORK has begun on building three new bungalows, paving the way for a new-look Whitefield town centre.

The properties in Mather Avenue are part of the overall town centre scheme, of which the centrepiece will be a new Morrisons supermarket.

Once completed in October, the bungalows will provide new homes for three residents who are set to lose their current homes in Elms Road.

The houses fall into the area of land needed to build the supermarket and property developer Dransfield agreed to transfer three residents to the new plot so they could remain in the area.

The bungalows are being built by construction company Allenbuild at a cost of £385,000 and there will be an official launch of the scheme when MP Ivan Lewis will perform a soil cutting ceremony.

Managing director of Dransfield Properties Ltd, Mark Dransfield said: "We are delighted to be starting work on this major scheme and that we have been able to meet the needs of local residents. They are looking forward to moving into their new homes and ensuring that their move goes smoothly is a priority."

Two other Elms Road residents are also on the move, but making the short trip to the opposite side of the road where they will occupy two empty homes bought by Dransfield.

Originally, the company bought the homes to make way for the development, but planning bosses asked them to amend the plans which meant they no longer needed the properties.

Instead, Dransfield needed the occupied homes and struck an agreement with the residents to move across the road.

Work is due to begin on the Morrison's store next January subject to land acquisition.