THE condition of thousands of private houses across Middlesbrough are to be investigated.

More than 7,400 randomly-chosen homes will be surveyed, with 1,400 being inspected inside and out.

Middlesbrough Council says the survey is not connected to plans which could see up to 2,000 town centre houses demolished in the town in a remodelling of the community's network of terraced streets.

Councillor David Budd, council executive member for regeneration, said: "We want to stress that this survey is completely separate from the current consultation on older housing near the town centre. It doesn't involve any valuations."

Surveyors from the specialist firm PPS will record the age and type of each house, its state of repair, energy efficiency, health and safety features and some information about the household.

The survey will not involve a property valuation.

Coun Budd said: "The information we gather will help guide housing policies for Middlesbrough and help us bid for extra resources to improve the town's housing.

"That's why we hope that people who get a letter saying they've been chosen to take part in the survey will work with the inspectors. It's very important that we get a representative sample of private houses, from ones in excellent condition to those that need repair and improvement."

Anyone receiving a letter to take part in the survey can make an appointment by calling the freephone telephone number at the top of the letter.

Surveyors will carry identity passes and householders should not let anyone in who can't prove identification.