MONTHS of worry went up in a cloud of dust this week when demolition cranes swung into action and tore down the White Blackbird pub in London Road, High Wycombe.

Jubilant residents have praised developer King's Oak, who hope to build homes on the site, for being so open with its plans after they had suffered months of uncertainty about McDonald's plans for a drive-thru restaurant on the same spot.

Julie Hanif, of Birfield Road, co-founder of action-group Residents Against McDonalds (RAM), watched the first roof tiles being pulled from the former pub over the weekend.

She said: "I'm over the moon that something is finally happening there. As aside from being an eyesore it was a magnet for all sorts being left empty for so long.

"It was so decent of King's Oak to send us all out letters apologising for any inconvenience during their work there. A nice change from not knowing anything a few months back.

"They've said they'll make every effort to fit in with the village character it's a real triumph for all of us."

Rachel Springell, of Birfield Road, said: "It's quite sad to see it go.

"It would have been nice if it had been done up nicely as a proper village pub but I'm glad it will be residents' homes instead of a McDonald's."

Gary Brown, fellow RAM member, added: "I'll keep my feet on the ground until the bricks go up only then will I be happy. But we're all hoping for nice houses that will fit in."

Demolition work to clear the century old derelict pub began on Saturday morning when cranes and diggers moved in.

McDonald's drive-thru application was thrown out by Wycombe District Council in August.

The move followed protests and petitions from residents who feared noise and traffic chaos on the already busy London Road.

A spokesman for Wycombe District Council said an application had been made to officers by King's Oak Developers but details were not ready for release. The Maidenhead based developer was not available for comment.