A COUNCIL decision to knock down garages for housing has angered residents.

Tenants of 16 garages in I'Anson Road, Richmond, have been given 14 days to vacate by Richmondshire District Council.

The authority has entered into an agreement with Tees Valley Housing Group to build six affordable flats and houses on the land.

But residents say the decision has been taken without consideration to the garage users.

Margaret Emmerson, of East Field Avenue, said: "Councillors say they have been told by the Government to build on more brown field sites.

"But I don't think for a minute the Government told them to knock down 16 perfectly good garages.

"This area of the town is one of the most congested there is.

"Building here is going to cause a lot more problems. It seems as if the opinions of the people don't matter."

Eileen McIntosh lives opposite the garages in I'Anson Road.

She said: "At the moment it is nice and quiet down here and there is no vandalism or trouble. What I'm worried about is who will move into the new flats."

Another resident of Tudor Road who rents one of the garages said: "They consulted with the people living near the garages but not the tenants.

"Finding somewhere to park in my street is very difficult because of the school."

Colin Dales, housing unit manager for the council, said the decision to knock down the garages had been a difficult one.

"I do sympathise with the tenants of the garages in the case of I'Anson Road as it is a valuable resource for the community.

"But it comes down to what Richmond needs most - garages or affordable housing."

Mr Dales said the council had reviewed its policy of renting out garages, after concern it was a waste of resources.

Seven other council-owned garage sites will now be demolished for affordable housing in Richmond, Colburn, Skeeby and Brompton-on-Swale.

Tenants of the I'Anson Road garages have got until September 27 to vacate.

Work on the six new flats is due to start within the next month.