THE REGENERATION of an 'outdated' housing estate has been delayed after the developers discovered bats in the area.

Home Group, which has already demolished a number of the 1940s-built houses ahead of the redevelopment, has written to Millom Town Council after concerns were expressed at the cessation of work at Queen's Park.

READ MORE: 'Outdated' housing estate to be demolished and rebuilt with 66 new homes

Bradley Collins, Regeneration Delivery and Development Manager at Home Group, said: "I understand people's concerns regarding the site at Queen's Park in Millom but demolition of the remaining properties has unfortunately been delayed due to a discovery of bats.

"We have applied for a licence through Natural England to ensure safe removal of the bats as a protected species.

"Once this has taken place, we are able to complete the works in September this year.

"Once the demolition work is complete, the new development at Queen's Park has received planning permission and will be built over the proceeding two years - with completion in 2025."