PLANS to demolish 24 homes in Hartlepool have been deferred.

Hartlepool Borough Council's neighbourhood services board met yesterday to consider the future of the 80-year-old properties in Earl Street, on the Headland.

Bernard Williams, director of neighbourhood services, says that the houses have poor internal design and suffer from a variety of structural problems.

He also says that the houses are difficult to let and the tenancy turnover rate high. Of the 20 houses in occupation, only nine have been resident for more than two years.

The authority has already carried out consultation which shows there is support for demolition. But a small number of families would prefer to stay in their houses rather than see them knocked down.

Councillor John Lauderdale said: "The council recognises there is a strength of feeling from a small number of families to stay in their houses.

"This is perfectly understandable bearing in mind some families have lived in these houses for a long time.

"In view of the strong representation from some families, we feel it is right and proper to have further consultations with residents before we arrive at a decision.

"The deferment will enable us to have further talks about the future of these houses.