DERELICT homes in Elsecar could be pulled down before the start of April.
Demolitions are planned before the end of the financial year but this was dependent on the availability of a contractor, according to the office of MP Michael Dugher.
Gas and electricity to the four homes in Welland Crescent was cut off last week, and water supplies would cease by the end of this week.
Mr Dugher - an Elsecar resident - welcomed the progress.
"I have been campaigning for months now with local residents and councillors to say enough is enough. I am happy that Barnsley Council is now ready to take the final step of hiring a contractor to demolish the properties."
The semi-detached properties were taken over by the council through compulsory purchase after owners refused to sell. They've since been set on fire, had their windows smashed and been vandalised.
