FAMILIES living in houses scheduled for demolition have vowed to fight to stop the bulldozers moving in on their homes.

Wear Valley District Council last week decided in principle to demolish 248 houses on the Woodhouse Close Estate, in Bishop Auckland.

The council members opted for a selective demolition scheme for the estate because many houses are standing empty and in a state of disrepair.

The housing committee agreed that the proposal seemed the only way forward for the estate, which it feels has become an undesirable place to live because of drugs, crime and vandalism problems.

But residents who live in the streets concerned: Teesdale Walk, Cheesmond Avenue and an area known as The Squares; have joined forces to launch a campaign to save their homes.

Home owner Margaret Hardy said: "I have brought four sons up on the estate and it is a nice place to live. I like my home and don't want to leave it.

"The place has a bad reputation which is not warranted. I am also concerned for the old people who could be made to move from their bungalows, some are over 90 years old and cannot face that."

Anne Knighton, a tenant in Wensleydale Square, said: "We are upset the council think the only way to sort out the problems caused by a minority of people is to pull down our homes.

"I've lived on Woodhouse for 25 years and I wouldn't want to be anywhere else. There is a strong community spirit and we are always there for each other."

Home owner Jeff Joyce, who lives in Teesdale Square, said: "I won't leave my house. Most of us care for the area and love living here. We will fight for as long as it takes."

Residents plan to start a petition and write to Bishop Auckland MP Derek Foster to appeal for his support.

A council spokesman said: "Members decided to the scheme in principle, but nothing will go ahead before full consultation with the residents concerned. Letters outlining the situation will go out to everyone affected within the next two weeks, then we will hold public meetings and talk to the residents association to get everyone's views."