PLANS to demolish a disused factory in the middle of a Ferryhill housing estate have been welcomed by residents.

Sedgefield Borough Council is negotiating to buy the former Praxis textiles factory in the Dean Bank area.

The factory closed almost two years ago, and while the loss of jobs was a huge blow at the time, the building is now regarded by local people as an eyesore.

The council hopes to demolish the former factory and replace it with a new building to be used as a base for the Ferryhill and Chilton Sure Start project, which supports families in the area.

A spokesman for Sedgefield Borough Council said: "Provisional talks have taken place and we are seeking to agree the purchase of the site. If successful, it is our intention to build a Sure Start centre there."

It is understood that at least some of the cash to buy and demolish the existing building, which could cost about £160,000, will come from the Single Regeneration Budget. Talks are believed to be centred around the ownership of a small strip of land.

Margaret Seymour, chairwoman of the recently formed Dean Bank Residents' Association, said the council had promised to keep members fully informed of developments.

She said: "Nobody has any problems with Sure Start being there, as long as that is what it is. The only objection we would have would be if there was a residential part to the building, and we have been assured that it is just an administrative building.

"The factory is an eyesore. Just the other day there were kids on the roof and one of these days one of them is going to fall through."

Mrs Seymour said the association would ask the council if a toddlers' play area could also be provided on the site.

Councillor Arthur Denton, Ferryhill town councillor for the area, said he would support the residents.

"My personal opinion is I wouldn't cry over it getting knocked down," he said.

"But I always ask the opinion of the local residents association and whatever their feelings are, I act on them."