THE Minister for *ocal government and the Regions yesterday welcomed new confidence in a neighbourhood with low demand for housing.

Nick Raynsford spoke as he saw first-hand how a new housing development was helping to breathe new life into an area that has suffered with the problems of low housing demand and deprivation.

The minister met designers and developers at the Wimpey site, at Staiths South Bank, Teams, Gateshead, which has revitalised former industrial brownfield land on the banks of the River Tyne, transforming it into a vibrant new community.

The 700-home development is in the NewcastleGateshead Housing Market Renewal Pathfinder, which aims to turn around failing housing markets, low demand and the blight of empty homes.

It is hoped the scheme will transform declining areas into communities where people want to live and work.

Mr Raynsford said: "I am delighted to have been able to visit Staiths South Bank, because it is an excellent example of the kind of private sector investment that will be vital to achieving hous- ing market renewal in Gateshead.

"Turning property markets around is about much more than providing houses.

"We need to think about the type of homes that people want, and to offer them a choice of good quality houses that will encourage them to live and work in an area, rather than move away."