RESIDENTS living in central Middlesbrough will have their say on plans to demolish and regenerate the neighbourhood.

The council is hosting a series of drop-in sessions to get people's views on the controversial scheme for the older housing in the town centre.

A proposed plan to tackle the problems in the housing market for the area has met opposition from many residents.

The council claims the ten to 15-year plan will help improve the environment, develop more jobs and training facilities as well as clearing between 1,500 and 2,000 run-down houses.

A detailed report on the project will be discussed by the council's executive in July.

Councillor David Budd, executive member for regeneration, said: "I hope as many people as possible call in at our drop-in sessions.

"We have said from the outset we want local residents to shape these plans and this is their chance to do that.

"Town centre housing is at a crossroads. We know these plans represent a big change, but we hope that by involving people from the start, we can answer some of their concerns and work with them to create a better Middlesbrough."

Today the drop-in session takes place at North Ormesby Community Centre between 3pm and 7pm.

Tomorrow, Newport Primary School, between 3.30pm and 7.30pm; Thursday, Abingdon Primary School, 3pm to 7pm; Monday, May 16, Newport Neighbourhood Centre, 3pm to 7pm; Tuesday, May 17, ACE Centre, Worcester Street, 3pm to 7pm.

Also there will be an exhibition in the civic centre reception area between May 19 to 27.

Residents can make their comments at any of the sessions or through their community council or residents' association.