WORK has begun to bring down a derelict eyesore near Hereford city centre.

The former Campions restaurant has stood empty on the banks of the River Wye since closing in the 1990s.

But, in the past few days, part of the site has been knocked down by bulldozers.

Planning permission was secured in December 2011 for a five-storey riverside apartment block on stilts.

Applicant Riverside Construction Hereford said at the time that the t-shaped building would boast roof terraces on levels three and four, plus 19 car park spaces and a pedestrian bridge for emergency use.

A hi-tech early warning system was also proposed, to alert car owners should water levels rise.