WORK has begun to demolish a row of former shops in Middlesbrough town centre.

Bulldozers have begun pulling down nine properties on Borough Road near to Union Street.

The buildings have been acquired by Middlesbrough Council for redevelopment and have been earmarked for demolition over the next few weeks.

There is a partial lane closure in place during works and there is manual traffic control in place at the junction of Union Street where it meets with Borough Road and Hartington Street.