RESIDENTS facing eviction under a controversial demolition scheme are planning to stand in front of the bulldozers to protect their homes.

The Home Owners' Association, in Thornaby, was set up when a scheme to tear down 578 houses on the Mandale estate was unveiled by Stockton Council.

The proposal was part of a £160m plan to regenerate the area over the next ten years.

But 80 people have signed a petition opposing the plan and residents say they will stay in the homes they bought from the local authority, despite the threat of eviction because of a compulsory purchase order.

The association's chairwoman Janet Wallace, who has lived her Northallerton Road home for 17 years, said: "Who are they to say 'We want your house and we are going to get it no matter what.' They are not getting it and I am staying put.

"We are going to dig our heels in and not let them walk all over us."

Retired engineer Jim Barratt, 76, who has lived in Malton Close for 54 years, said he had spent a lot of money improving his property since buying it in 1969.

He served in the Army during the Second World War and proudly flies the Union Flag from his garage.

Mr Barratt said: "This is my bit of Britain. I have bought it, paid for it and even fought for it.

"I will stand firm and stop any bulldozers that come to knock it down."

His views were echoed by Eddie Rose, 64, of Ruby Road, and Cynthia Ions, 73, of Northumberland Road, who has lived in her home for 50 years.

They said the council can build around them.

Despite the protests, Stockton Council said many people were happy with the arrangements.

Mandale ward councillor Allison Trainer said: "The whole scheme is for the residents and on that basis it is resident driven. It is their quality of life that this is all about.

"We know that for many the unavoidable upheaval is like stepping into the darkness and we understand their genuine concerns but there are no hidden motives."

Stockton South MP Dari Taylor has said she understood the resident group's concerns but thinks the council's strategy was the best for the area as a whole.