A STREET immortalised by Oscar-winning film Billy Elliott is facing demolition to make way for more modern housing.

The news has been greeted with dismay by the few residents who remain in run-down Anwick Street, in Easington Colliery, east Durham - the street which young star Jamie Bell, of Billingham, raced along in the film.

Hopes that the film would help revive the village have not materialised and housing in Easington Colliery has continued to decline.

Maureen Barnes, who has been paid £16,000 by the council for her home, said: "The street is going to be pulled down and it is a great shame. When we bought the house the street was fine, but more and more properties have been allowed to stay empty.

"The kids moved in and started to set them on fire and smash them up. It has been terrible."

Parish councillor Cyril Dunn, 63, said: "There are still a lot of people living here who care deeply about the community.

"We have a lovely park and sports ground, and new homes are being built with panoramic views over the sea.

"We need people to move to Easington Colliery because they want to live here. The houses where Billy Elliott was filmed needed replacing. We need modern homes."