Falcons' flight paves way for demolition of tower
Demolition contractors are preparing to start work on taking down a 16-storey Midlands tower block, after the family of peregrine falcons that were responsible for holding up the demolition, flew their nest.
The demolition of Harlech Tower in Erdington had been on hold since the animals took up residence in the empty residential building. Their vacating of their home, however, will allow for the building to be brought down and the area's regeneration to continue.
The local council's housing chief, John Lines, said they were now looking to have the demolition of Harlech completed by the end of November.
"This tower may have been an eyesore for the last few months, but it served a wonderful ornithological purpose," he said. "It was home to this family and we were happy for them to stay until they were ready to move on."
Harlech is the last of three 1960s-built towers on the Lyndhurst estate in Erdington to be demolished. Some 300 homes, a pub and a members club on the estate have been razed over the last two years.
The £100 million development scheme will see the construction of 316 new homes, a youth centre, a health centre and a new public open space over the next five years.
