HOUSEBUILDERS are being urged to 'get on with it'and regenerate two disused garage sites in the centre of Newent.

The call comes from mayor Fred Passant, as the former Direct Autos site joins the long-standing eyesore that is Bennions in awaiting redevelopment.

Full planning permission exists for sheltered and mixed housing in the former Bennions site. The Birmingham-based Harper Group is promising a spring start on the planned 41 units.

Clearance work started in January, but the builders have still to move in.

Close by, in High Street, developer Sudeley Homes of Evesham is still to secure full planning permission from the Forest of Dean District Council for another sheltered housing scheme.

Renewal of outline planning permission for 31 one-bedroom flats, five two-bedroom flats, one guest flat and a warden's flat was sought and obtained in January last year.

It is the second time that outline planning permission had been renewed by the company.

A detailed scheme will still have to be agreed by the council before any work can start.

Direct Autos has now moved to new premises on Cleeve Mill Lane.

Coun Passant is keen to see work start at both areas in the town centre.

He said: "While the town council is delighted with the development of the old Co-op site in Church Street, we are very concerned with the lack of progress in developing the two garage sites in the town.

"It is believed that they will start soon, but we have been disappointed before by this."

At the time of going to press, Sudeley Homes were unavailable for comment.