Knocking down the dilapidated but historic Victoria Row homes has cost $331,400, with asbestos abatement included, public works minister Craig Cannonier told the House of Assembly this morning.

While in Government, the Progressive Labour Party faced criticism from the Opposition for its plans to get rid of the ageing buildings — and Mr Cannonier conceded that the One Bermuda Alliance Government was now undertaking that same course of action.

However the minister argued that every viable solution to save the buildings had been exhausted, and he stood by efforts by former OBA candidate Ray Charlton, now the chairman of the West End Development Corporation, to make every possible effort to save the buildings.

“Mr Charlton’s position has not changed,” the minister added.

There are three blocks at Victoria Row, with asbestos removed from two, and one block now razed.