VANDALISED eyesores are being demolished on Teesside next week - much to the relief of local residents.

Four rundown blocks of flats in Middlesbrough, said by landlord Erimus Housing to have been "a magnet for crime, vandalism and anti-social behaviour'', are to be bulldozed.

Demolition work starts on the empty properties, in Daleville Close and Keithwood Close in Grove Hill, Cottingham Drive and Fransham Road in Pallister Park, on Tuesday.

Erimus says it is responding to concerns of local people and will knock down the flats with help from contractor Instrip Demolition, before the areas are grassed over.

Ray Woodger, who lives in Cottingham Drive, said: "The flats have been a nightmare for everyone who lives here.

"We have been wanting rid of them for so long and now something is being done about them. It will make a massive difference to all of us."

The buildings, which contain a total of 40 one-bedroom flats, have had a high turnover and have proved difficult to let, with a lack of demand from the housing waiting list.

Chris Smith, director of regeneration for Erimus, said: "Residents had made us aware of this issue so we decided to take some early action on a scheme that would be a positive step for residents and help improve their communities."