A HOUSING association is planning to demolish several houses on an estate that was once so popular new residents were given maps to find their way around it.

B&N Housing have lodged a planning application with Stockton Borough Council for permission to demolish the remaining properties in Sandpiper Walk, Port Clarence, before the end of December.

Their decision to demolish the houses is due to the overall lack of demand for rented accommodation in the area, with little prospect of the situation changing.

Only ten years ago the estate was attracting so many newcomers, after years of neglect, that town hall officials were handing out maps, in welcome packages.

More than £4m of public money was invested in reviving the 1,000 strong community. The new and revamped houses and environmental improvements won national recognition and awards as examples of inner-city regeneration.

Residents were encouraged to buy their own revamped housing association and council homes at prices of about £35,000, but only last year a private home was on the market for a mere £7,000.

Councillor John McCoy, ward councillor for the Clarences, said: "The houses that are to be demolished are very small and it is difficult to let them.

"The area remains a tight knit community, but a lot of residents find it difficult to get around as there is a problem with public transport.

"Private companies who run the buses claim they cannot make a profit so services are not frequent and the Transporter Bridge into Middlesbrough is not always reliable."

B&N have received interest from neighbouring residents, who will have the opportunity to buy parts of the cleared site in order to extend their gardens, and negotiations are taking place.

B&N will clear and topsoil the site and restore the boundaries to their previous condition.

Stephen Bray, regional manager at B&N, said: "It is necessary for the association to take into account the significant resources and effort taken to maintain empty properties for which there is no demand. On this occasion, although the decision has been made to demolish the stock, there will be tangible benefits for the community."