THE demolition of derelict homes on the Craylands estate has finally begun.

The £200million regeneration of the area finally got under way yesterday morning, when bulldozers began destroying empty maisonettes in Norwich Walk.

Residents gathered to watch the machinery get to work on the 610 homes being demolished to make way for new housing.

They expressed their relief at seeing the first steps of the project begin and believe the development will make the area a more attractive place to live.

Maggie Forder, 63, has lived in Southwark Path on the estate for 28 years and was with neighbours to watch the bulldozers.

She said: “I’m absolutely overjoyed and can’t believe it’s finally happened.

“This is the first big change we’ve seen on this estate and it’s going to change it for the better. Nobody wants to have empty homes where they live.”

New homes are going to be built in place of the demolished blocks, with the first expected to be completed in 2013.

Judy Lewis, 58, of Southwark Path, has lived on the estate for 40 years and witnessed plenty of antisocial behaviour during that time, but also community spirit.

She said: “There has been a lot of trouble on the estate over the years, so it’s nice to see a new beginning.

“There is community spirit in parts already, but I hope this improves the community spirit over the whole estate and gives people a better place to live.”

Developer Swan Housing is working with Basildon Council and the Homes and Communities Agency on the project.

A spokeswoman for Swan Housing said: “Seeing the demolition begin isn’t just symbolic, it’s evidence of real progress as it’s important for residents to see work has begun.”

New homes have already been built on the former Fryerns School site next door.