A LARGE crowd watched as a bulldozer began demolishing a central section of the Royal Court block on Monday .

Many who lived in the Billybanks had mixed views about the redevelopment project.

Mike Paterson, whose three children were born while living at the estate, said: "It’s sad to see it being demolished.

"I just don’t understand why it couldn’t have been used for the last ten years that it’s been derelict.

"People shouldn’t have been moved out so early - but I’ve got some terrific memories of the old place.

"I’d love to live in one of the new properties, but I don’t think I’ll be able to afford one!"

Steve O’Grady, who was born and brought up at the Billybanks, said: "It’s the end of an era and it feels like the end of my childhood.

"It was such a friendly place, but I guess times move on."

Wayne Spear, 40, was also born at the Billybanks.

He said: "It was sad when we eventually moved out and it’s sad to see it torn down.

"But the estate has been dangerous for years and it’s about time it was redeveloped."

Adrian Jones, of Arcot Street, was one of many who watched the demolition work start.

He said: "I had plenty of friends who lived here when I moved to Penarth 13 years ago.

"There’s always been talk that it would be redeveloped, but it’s great to be here today to finally see work start.

"I’ll look forward to seeing what goes up in its place."

Coreen Langford, who lives opposite the Billybanks, on Paget Road, said: "I’m pleased to see something happening.

"It’s been a playground for troublemakers over the years and it’s got a lot worse recently."

Grandmother Patricia Quick, who moved to the estate in 1981, thinks the Penarth Heights project will be good for the town - if it helps first-time buyers get a foot on the property ladder.

"It’s been hard to watch the estate deteriorate over the years," she said.

"As a family, we have such special memories of the old place, there was a great community spirit.

"When we moved out and over the road, we didn’t hire a lorry - all the kids from the estate helped carry our stuff.

"They were lovely flats and I just hope the new development is as good.

"It would be nice to think my grandson, Joshua, could afford to buy one of the new properties one day."