A HOUSING estate given the thumbs-down by residents is to receive a multi-million-pound facelift.

Part of The Closes, at Redcar, will be bulldozed as the layout of the development is remodelled, to deter, rather than attract, the yobs who menace the area.

Twenty-four one-bedroomed flats, 40 two-bedroomed houses and two maisonettes will be demolished under the proposals.

Landlord Coast and Country says the layout of the estate will dramatically change. Alleyways and communal courtyards, often hotspots for anti-social behaviour, will go.

Car owners, who are unable to keep an eye on their cars, will have parking spaces provided, adjacent to their properties.

Steps will be taken to reduce vandalism and provide greater security, and homes will be given clearly defined gardens.

People who live in The Closes have been unhappy with the quality of life on the estate for some time. They gave the estate an average three out of ten in a survey of what the estate has to offer.

Forty-one homes will be built and nearly 200 upgraded.

Anna Gibson, Coast and Country's director of development and regeneration, said: "The survey revealed the scale of the unhappiness of people living on The Closes. We are delighted that, working with them, we will be able to tackle some of the problems which have been created by the poor design of the estate.

"This is a significant investment by Coast and Country."

Approval of the plan by board members of Coast and Country follows consultation with residents and involvement of the local school.

People living in the 198 properties affected by the regeneration were asked if they approved of the proposals. Of the 120 survey forms returned, more than 97 per cent were in favour.

Mrs Gibson said: "It was vitally important that the residents had their say. We have listened to their concerns and made sure that the final plan addresses the main issues. The result will be a far better and safer place to live."

Planning permission will now be sought for The Closes regeneration scheme, one of several re-development schemes, totalling £60m, being undertaken by Coast and Country