AN infamous block of flats long regarded as an eyesore have been demolished to make way for new homes.

Contractors are pulling down the Fairview Flats, just off the A684 Bedale to Northallerton Road in Leeming Bar as part of a major redevelopment scheme by Housing Association, Broadacres and their private development arm Mulberry Homes.

The two blocks of 12 flats which are thought to have been built in the seventies, were not regarded as fit for purpose and will be replaced by ten homes.

The site, was dogged by problems last year when the original contractors Southdale went into administration causing an eight week delay on the scheme.

Mulberry Homes appointed new contractors, Lindum of York, who say the site which will have 82 properties, 32 of them affordable homes for sale or rent, is progressing well. So far 22 homes have been completed.

Peter Ottowell, Chairman of Mulberry Homes Yorkshire said: “We are pleased to see the flats, which were no longer fit for purpose, being replaced with new, modern homes built to a very high specification.

“Demolishing these properties will now enable us to complete this integrated housing development by May 2017.

“Providing 82 new homes in the centre of Leeming Bar will have a very positive impact on the village, bringing more people into the community and supporting the local economy.”

Jonathan Sizer, Managing Director of contractors Lindum said “We are delighted to have successfully completed and handed over 22 new dwellings, including six apartments and a mix of detached and semi-detached properties, allowing residents to move and make way for this significant milestone.

“Demolishing the old apartments now makes way for works to progress on a further ten new homes and a much improved aspect to the scheme.”

Residents of Fairview Flats have been re-housed by Broadacres, with several moving into new homes on the development.

Sandra and Nigel Bailey, who were among the first private buyers at Leeming Gate, said: “We lived in Harrogate for 28 years and can honestly say we have spoken to more people since we moved here than in all our time at our previous home. There is a real community feeling.”