WORK to transform a landmark cottage into seven flats in Billericay High Street has started.

John Dawson said the works will see the front of Elizabeth Cottage recreated to match how it looked in the 1950s.

He said: “It will completely transform this building.

“Our message is that we are trying to do this being as courteous to the community as possible.

“The project is going well, it is just difficult due to the location.

“We are trying to be as careful and considerate as possible to the building and to residents and pretty much taking it bit by bit by hand.

“We are currently onsite preparing the area for the works.

“We cannot get it back to the original bricks due to the damage done.”

Mr Dawson said it will look beautiful when finished.

He said that he wants to keep some character in the High Street and feels it is a good position for the development.

Community leaders have also welcomed the progress at the derelict site.

Art curator Vin Harrop, 80, said: “It is good something is being done there.

“It is an eyesore - if John Dawson can recreate how it looked in the 1950s, that’s good.

“I think seven flats is fine, I am sure it will fit there and look fine.

“I think the rest of the community will welcome this, everyone is fed up of seeing it going into decay.”

He said there is a lot of work to do on the site and that we must put trust in the developer.

In February 2017, The Echo revealed how Dawson Developments Limited, based in Blackmore, bought the cottage for for £356,000 at auction.

Controversy surrounded the development and Basildon Council stepped in spending £28,000 on repairs and protection.

The council had been unable to reach the previous owners, as they had only given their address as the cottage.

In order to recoup the money, it had spent on the cottage, the council applied to the land registry for power of sale.

After the council claims its costs, the remainder of the £356,000 will be held in an account for 12 years in case the previous owner comes forward to claim it.

If they don’t come forward after 12 years, the council will be able to use the money.

Elizabeth Cottage was first built by the Quakers in 1903.

It became a family home, but was left empty in the Seventies. Now the aim is to find a balance between new and old.