THE public will be able to inspect £25m plans to regenerate a Teesside estate which could include the demolition of 370 homes.

There have already been protests and objections to draft proposals to demolish the homes at an area of the Hardwick estate in Stockton known as the Ws.

Stockton Borough Council will now hold a number of open days to discuss the plan on the estate.

About £15m of Government cash has already been spent on refurbishing homes elsewhere in the Hardwick area of the town.

Better local facilities, including a rebuilt school and improvements to the environment, are being proposed along with plans to demolish and replace housing.

Residents will be asked for their views on a number of proposals including new housing, a £6m extra care scheme for the elderly, a primary school and landscaping.

More than 230 houses have already been demolished in the Ws area of the estate since 2001 but now residents will be consulted about plans to destroy a further 370.

Some residents have expressed fears they will be forced to move against their wishes and protests have been staged on the estate.

Councillor Martyn Ingram, Stockton Council cabinet member for housing, said: "Inevitably some people will have put a great deal of love and effort into their homes and would prefer not to move. We fully understand.

"We have to look at the bigger picture though, balancing all these views with the need to ensure a deliverable and sustainable high-quality development."

The money for the project will mainly come from central government.

The first open day will be held today, at Hardwick Community Centre from 10am to noon.

Another will be held at the same venue from 2pm to 4pm on Monday, followed by one to be held at Hardwick Social Club from 6pm to 9pm on Tuesday.