TWO former Pill pubs have been demolished as part of plans to regenerate the area.

Pubs The Kings Arms and Top of the Range, both on Commercial Road, were knocked down by Seren Group as part of plans to build affordable housing.

The Kings Arms had fallen into a derelict condition after it was closed in the early 1990's, with local councillors calling for it to be cleaned up after it had become overgrown with weeds and some of the boards covering its windows had been removed.

Now both pubs are set to be transformed into affordable housing.

The work is part of £250 million of major developments in Newport city centre delivered by Newport City Council and Seren Group and thanks to funding from the Welsh Government’s Vibrant and Viable Places programme.

The Kings Arms, which was built in 1830 and later rebuilt in 1890, has laid empty for more than 15 years and has been the target of anti-social behaviour and arsonists in 2012.

Neil Barber, Seren director of development, said earlier this month, ahead of the demolition: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Newport City Council and Welsh Government to transform this key location back to beneficial use.

“This development is particularly welcome as it will significantly regenerate an area which had become a magnet for anti social behaviour and a problem for the local community.”

Mr Barber said The Kings Arms has been an “important part” of Pill’s history but had decayed so much there was no choice but to demolish it.

The new housing will include nine one and two bedroom apartments as well as a large four bedroom house.