A PIECE of derelict land in the region has been nominated as one of the most wasted spaces in the country.

Earlier this week, BBC Radio 4 and the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (Cabe) launched a nationwide campaign to find the country's most wasted spaces.

This followed a report commissioned by Cabe which estimated that 70,000 hectares of derelict and vacant land existed in England and Wales.

One of the first to be nominated was land in Londonderry Road, Stockton.

Until about two years ago, there was a block of two-storey flats on the site.

Since their demolition, however, it has become overgrown, and residents are angry that nothing has been done with the area.

They said it has become an eyesore and that with many children playing in and around the grassed area, it has become dangerous.

Resident Jim Kane said: "It has become a dumping ground and quite often things are set fire to on it.

"I have not seen any myself, but other residents have said there are needles on there and, quite often, it attracts alcoholics. It is just dangerous.

"In the locals' eyes, it is total deprivation. It would be a joy to see it be reused, maybe if it was landscaped to make a children's play area or to become a garden."

There were hopes that bungalows could be built on the site, but with millions of pounds being invested in nearby Hardwick, it is seen as unlikely.

Councillor Bob Gibson, ward councillor for the area, said: "We are looking at doing some remedial treatment with that patch of grass."

Nominations for Britain's worst space will be featured on BBC Radio 4's You and Yours during the next few weeks, and the winner will be announced on the Today Programme in a month.

According to the Cabe report, 5,000 hectares of wasted space is attached to derelict buildings, mostly found on docks and canal land, undeveloped council-owned sites, former gasworks, quarries and mining sites.

Cabe also said residential developers retained large land banks and that many will deliberately keep unused land for many years before building on it.

The group added that some landowners were difficult to track down because much land is bought in the hope of commercial development in the area, which may then be shelved. Some landowners then ignore land they own that has lost its value.

To nominate an area, go to www.wastedspace.org.uk