PROPOSALS for more than £2 million to be spent on improving housing on three Darlington estates are expected to be approved next week.

Details of the scheme, which will affect 432 homes, will be discussed by Darlington Borough Council's cabinet on Tuesday.

If approved, maintenance work, estimated to cost £1,608,000, will be done on 100 houses at Lascelles Park and 164 at Red Hall.

In addition, 107 homes in the George Short Close area, off North Road, will have central heating replaced.

A further £382,000 will be spent on internal improvements to 61 houses on the Branksome Estate, as well as on roof repairs in various parts of the town.

The improvements to the homes were originally outlined for next year, but have been brought forward to utilise resources the council has available.

Part of the money that has become available is due to an increased number of council house sales to secure tenants, under the Right to Buy scheme.

The resources have also been made available from underspendings and savings indicated in the mid-year council review.