A BATTLE to save a neighbourhood from demolition will be at the forefront of a by-election next month.

Residents campaigning to overturn plans to bulldoze rows of terrace streets in central Middlesbrough are putting up their own candidate for election to the borough council on March 16.

The by-election has been caused by the removal from Middlesbrough Council of Labour councillor and former mayor Frank Gill, for not attending meetings.

Cath Rozevskis is standing for the anti-demolition campaign. She lives in Tennyson Street, one of the 37 streets earmarked for demolition. Her election agent is Peter Birt, of Enfield Street, which is also on the list.

Ash Marron, spokesman for the campaigners, said: "The ward in question is Middlesbrough Middlehaven, where about one quarter of the Gresham demolition target is situated.''

News that Mrs Rozevskis will battle for a seat on the council came as Ken Walker, one of Gresham's ward councillors, called for a Government public inquiry into the demolition proposals.

Councillor Dave Budd, executive council member for regeneration, said: "His call lacks any credibility. It should be pointed out that the council executive's policy, the council's policy, the mayor's policy, Teesside Valley Living and the Regional Housing Board all confirm this is the sensible use of resources, and the sensible way to regenerate housing in central Middlesbrough.

"It has been through the council scrutiny process and has public support. We have had a Mori poll and our internal poll, all in favour as well.''

He added: "We believe that most of the properties will be acquired by agreement. If, at the end of the day, there are people who are unwilling to sell, and we have to create a compulsory purchase order, any objections automatically lead to a public inquiry.''

Middlesbrough council claims car-owning first-time buyers are boycotting the older terrace houses, which lack garages and gardens.

So many people are leaving for more attractive housing areas, the centre of Middlesbrough will become a "ghost-town'' in years to come, say supporters of the demolition.

Coun Walker says a unique community will be "decimated''. Scores of Gresham residents have signed a pledge that they will not be moved, nor forced to sell their homes.