A MEETING is to be held with council tenants after complaints about a scheme to replace run-down homes.

Some have claimed that they are unhappy with arrangements which will see them moved into temporary accommodation while new homes are built.

The work is part of a regeneration scheme in Pelton Fell, Chester-le-Street, which involves the demolition of hundreds of properties to be replaced by 260 new homes.

About 20 residents affected by the first phase of the scheme have been offered £3,100 compensation plus £1,000 towards the cost of moving into temporary accommodation.

Chester-le-Street District Council has organised a public meeting with partners Nomad, Bellway and Durham Miners Association and residents after hearing reports that people were unhappy.

Project manager Mark Teasdale said: "The council is well aware that the need to move into temporary accommodation will cause disruption and some anxiety for local residents.

"In order to minimise the disruption, the council is discussing the personal circumstances and preferences with tenants on a one-to-one basis.

"The council's intention is to provide residents with all the support that they need in arranging their move to temporary accommodation.

"People will be given plenty of time to move and, wherever possible, the council has identified properties that are similar to those currently occupied by tenants."

The meeting will be held on Tuesday between 6.30pm and 8pm, in Pelton Fell Village Hall.

Mr Teasdale said the meeting would provide an opportunity for residents to ask questions about the transition arrangements and raise any other concerns.

It will be chaired by the council's interim director of housing, Bernadette Marjoram, and also be attended by the portfolio members for housing and regeneration, the local councillor and representatives of the consortium.

Pelton Fell resident Jim Carroll said he had four children on the estate who would be affected.

Mr Carroll said: "It is going to have a dramatic impact on our lives because we don't know where they are going to go. We don't know whether the grandchildren will have to move schools yet."