PEOPLE living on a Darlington estate are calling for maggot-infested, derelict flats to be demolished.

People living in Lascelles Park say three boarded-up blocks of flats pose a serious health hazard and are attracting arsonists and drug takers.

A woman told a residents' association meeting that she had visited one block with a council inspector last week.

"We couldn't get past the front door because it is infested with maggots," she said.

"There is something in there that they are living off. It was disgusting."

Residents say they have been waiting for months for Darlington Borough Council to demolish the buildings.

Association chairman Joe Prettyman said: "Nothing is being done."

He described the council-owned blocks - Gayles House, in Melsonby Crescent, Kirby House, in Gilling Crescent, and Manfield House, in Fenby Avenue - as an eyesore.

A man is believed to be living in one block which is thought to have delayed demolition, the meeting heard.

PC Neil Walton, of Darlington police, told residents that youths gathering at the flats were causing most of the problems with crime and anti-social behaviour on the estate.

"The main problem from our point of view is the flats, in particular, Kirby House," he said.

"There have been several fires there, as well as numerous criminal damage offences, pulling doors off etc. I'll be over the moon when they get pulled down. It is an absolute tip over there."

He confirmed that youths were suspected of dealing and taking drugs at the flats, though none had been caught in the act.

"I can ask them to leave, but that is as much power as I have got. Until the properties come down, these youths are going to be congregating over there."

A Darlington Borough Council spokesman said two of the blocks would be demolished next month.

"The one where we have got a resident won't be touched," he said. "We will send our environmental health people to have a look at that and any other complaints that want following up."

He said residents had also complained of fly-tipping.

"Our wardens will look into that. People should not be doing that and we will find them."