Work is getting underway to restore a landmark former pub just off Dudley Town centre and convert it into a new apartment block.

The former Gipsies Tent pub in Steppingstone Street in the town conservation area has been closed since 1980 and become a target for vandals.

It will be  re-roofed, windows and doors repaired or replaced, damaged bricks repaired and then converted by the owners into apartments.

The external work will cost £127,000 which will be part funded by grants sourced by Dudley Council from the Black Country Local Economic Partnership.

During the work, which is expected to last eight weeks, Steppingstone Street and Greystone Street will be closed to accommodate the scaffolding.