MONTHS of worry could be over for 27 home owners due to be given new houses in a land deal between a council and developer.
Wear Valley District Council is expected to give approval today for Persimmon Homes to rebuild two streets on the St Andrew's Estate, in Bishop Auckland, which were condemned in October 2001.
Owners who feared they could lose tens of thousands of pounds are being offered either a new three-bedroomed house on the development or £50,000 compensation.
The council has already moved out 73 tenants from St Cuthberts Walk and St Aidans Walk, where asbestos was uncovered in party walls and corrosive salts in the concrete foundations.
The remaining 18 tenants are asking for homes on estates in Henknowle and Bishop Auckland, but could be made to accept second choices under the council's statutory powers. Officers have pledged to handle the process sensitively.
A special meeting of the council's housing committee at 10.30am today, in Crook Civic Centre, is expected to approve the agreement with Persimmon Homes.
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