The local authority has awarded loans and grants worth £770,000 to four developers to get building back underway on five sites containing 200 homes.

Councillor Adrian Andrew, Walsall Council Deputy Leader and cabinet member for regeneration,  said: “I am proud and delighted to be able to announce a financial package of almost £800,000 that will help more than 200 homes get built.

“This doesn’t just mean new homes taking shape. This is also much-needed jobs being created and fresh investment being unlocked.

“Around 300 people could be working on the construction schemes.

“It’s a key priority for us to help create and safeguard private sector jobs and this does just that.

Midland Properties will receive £245,000 in loans to help resume building work at the former Field Road industrial estate in Bloxwich to create 18 homes for sale and rent as well as to help build 11 rental properties at the former Chamberlain & Hill site in Reeves Street, Bloxwich

Stanley Developments are set to receive a £175,000 grant to help work start on 85 private and affordable older person extra care homes for rent or sale at Bentley Road North in Bentley.

Jessup Brothers Ltd are to receive a £175,000 grant to resume work on the part built Walsall Waterfront development to create 82 private and affordable flats.

BT Felton and Sons are set to receive a £175,000 loan to build 12 homes for private sale in Romney Way, Pheasey, Great Barr.

Loans will be re-paid by the developers and re-invested again in schemes to help create new jobs and homes.

Developers needed to satisfy a range of criteria and also have part-built developments or schemes which had planning permission but had not yet got off the ground.