DEATH threats have been sent to members of a council taking a decision to bulldoze nearly 1,500 homes in central Middlesbrough.

Several district councillors have received threatening letters - including a note embellished with hand drawn headstones.

Councillor Bob Brady, deputy mayor of Middlesbrough, said his advice to colleagues was to go to the police.

He said: "We live in a democratic society; we have been elected within that system. And we debate things and come to a conclusion based on evidence and experience.

"If people are prepared to issue threats and warnings because they disagree it is appalling.

"And any councillor who receives a letter threatening their safety, their life or property I would strongly advise to go to Cleveland Police, immediately. There is no place for that type of people in our society.''

Led by elected Middlesbrough Mayor Ray Mallon, Middlesbrough Council's executive voted to go ahead with regeneration plans which will include demolishing 37 streets, after being told Middlesbrough had haemorrhaged 30,000 people since 1961; first time buyers did not want the terraced house, but rogue landlords with their eyes on making a fast buck did.

Mr Mallon said: "The population drift must be halted. Radical action must be taken. Without it, Middlesbrough will become a ghost town."

One executive board member, Councillor Barry Coppinger, voted against the proposals concerned at the sheer scale of the planned demolition. Three ward councillors gave Mr Mallon notice they will call in his decision for examination by the council's own scrutiny committee.

Gresham ward Councillor Ken Walker said the plan was flawed, claiming: "It will destroy the true character of central Middlesbrough. These proposals will effectively decimate an entire community within the central residential area of Middlesbrough."

He called for a three-month deferment to allow further consultation, but this was rejected.

Regeneration officer Tim White told the executive: "Time is very tight. We and other councils in the Tees Valley are actually preparing bids at the moment which will go forward in September.''

There was anger from protestors about the choice of a side room for the executive meeting and permission for only two residents to speak.

Resident Majiid Aslam, said: "It was a done deal from the beginning. A lot of people are extremely annoyed."