DEMOLITION work has begun on a row of empty shops on Railway Street in Altrincham - paving the way for a new £13m hospital in the town.

Health chiefs promise that the long awaited new hospital will provide high quality facilities and better disabled access.

The chairman of Altrincham and Bowdon Civic Society, Judie Collins, said: "Not only is this the beginning of a splendid new hospital for Altrincham with improved services, it is a major new build project which we hope will do much to regenerate this run down section of the town centre.

“In addition, footfall from the various car parks to the hospital through Goose Green and King's Court, will bring vitality to those hidden squares. All the hard work and campaigning over many years by local groups and residents, has finally seen a result."