WORK is expected to start shortly on a major housing development on the site of a former football stadium.

The owners of Feethams in Darlington say they expect developers to begin work “in a week or two”.

The update comes as two Darlington Football Club fans launch a bid to secure the future of the Twin Towers - the 100-year-old gateway to the Feethams site.

Shaun Campbell and Doug Embleton, whose long-term aim has been to return football to Feethams, have announced an immediate campaign to preserve the towers.

The pair, from the Arthur Wharton Foundation, say local builders have told them that the tops of the towers can be dismantled, ready to be restored at the site at a later date.

Mr Campbell said it was important to preserve the historic symbols which were “close to many fans' hearts and of immense importance to local heritage”.

He added: “We are fully aware that even now there may well be a chance to save Feethams in its entirety and, equally, that Esh Group may have their own plans for the towers.

“However, Doug and I feel that the timing is right to rally the town, indeed the whole world of football.”

The two men were involved in the early days of the bid to save Darlington FC after it went into administration last year.

The pair memorably arrived at the Darlington Arena clutching a suitcase containing £50,000 on the morning the club was facing liquidation.

A craftsman has offered to dismantle the towers if suitable safety equipment can be found.

But Brian Johnson, chairman of Darlington Cricket Club, said the towers, which belonged to the cricket club, were not in danger.

“Everything is progressing well and we expect work to start in a week or two,” he said.

“The towers are going to remain at Feethams - they're going to be moved slightly but the planning conditions stipulate that the towers stay.”

County Durham-based Esh Group was given planning permission for 146 homes on the site in 2009. No one from the company was available to comment.