THE site of a former Letterston hotel has been cleared and work to build new houses there has already got underway.

The Brynawelon, once a huge attraction for Pembrokeshire revellers, had fallen into a state of disrepair before a serious fire gutted the building last June.

The 2.9 acres residential site was recently purchased by Haverfordwest-based Hil Construction Ltd.

The price tag came with planning permission for the construction of 20 dwellings, comprising of four apartments and 16 houses.

Hil Construction director Alan Rhead said: “We are a local building company employing 15-20 local builders and labourers.

“We purchased the site back in November and work has already started on the footings of some of the properties.

“We have already sold some of the houses and we are hoping the first lot will be finished in four to six months.”

The properties are currently listed with West Wales Properties.