PLANS will be set out today to rejuvenate a problem area of land left vacant after homes were demolished.

Because of a decline in demand for council houses in Earl Street, Hartlepool, and the need to bring them up to a decent standard if they were to be kept, it was agreed to demolish the 24 properties.

The majority was cleared last year, with the final two homes flattened earlier this year.

Residents living nearby have held a meeting to discuss the future use of the site and an initial proposal to provide minimal landscaping and a footpath through to the Spion Kop.

But they are concerned that the work would increase the nuisance they are suffering from vandals who are targeting the area.

Today, councillors on Hartlepool Borough Council's neighbourhood services board will discuss alternative uses for the site.

The options include doing nothing, landscaping the site, or selling it to a social housing provider, or a private developer.

Tees Valley Housing Group has been asked to undertake a feasibility study to build bungalows on the site, following its development at nearby Vane Street.

A report to the council said: "It is probable 18 to 20 two-bedroom bungalows could fit on the site, for older persons or those with mobility difficulties.

"The current waiting list for two-bedroomed bungalows is 71 applicants. However, Earl Street is not generally perceived as being the desirable end of the Headland and many people will not consider it."

Some residents are also concerned that if landscaping was provided it would be vandalised and the money wasted.

Temporary security fencing, which has been a target of vandalism, has had to be moved and there are problems with dumping, bonfires and anti-social behaviour.

The report says: "Residents are, not surprisingly, keen to have a resolution to the future of Earl Street at the earliest opportunity.

"However, it is important to arrive at the solution that will best serve the interests of the majority of residents."

Councillors are being asked to investigate either landscaping the site, incorporating it into gardens, or selling it for a non-residential development.

They will report their findings to a future meeting of the board.