THREE blocks of flats could be demolished under radical council plans to increase demand for property in Darlington.

Of the 54 bedsits and flats in the blocks in the Lascelles Park area of the town, 15 are standing empty and two have been bought by tenants.

The empty flats have attracted vandals and concern has been expressed by people living in the area about noise and nuisance from some younger tenants.

If the demolition is given the go-ahead the three blocks, Gayles House, Kirby House and Manfield House, would be replaced by individual homes to try to attract families and older people to the area.

Garages close to the site would also be demolished as part of the scheme.

Six homes would be built on the site of Gayles House, Kirby House would be replaced by another six homes including one for a wheelchair user and six homes would be built at Manfield House.

The cost of the building, including demolition, has been estimated at a total of £1,449,000.

The scheme would be funded through a social housing grant and by the Home Housing Association which runs the flats.

If the plans are approved each tenant who has lived in the flats for more than a year would receive £1,500 from the council and other costs could also be met.

The council would also try to buy the two flats which were bought by tenants.

Elsewhere in the town, concern has been expressed about other blocks of flats including Dinsdale Crescent off Yarm Road and Mount Pleasant House on Coniscliffe Road.

The council is hoping to modernise both these blocks of flats to attract more people and to bring them up to standard for disabled tenants.

The condition of flats at Sherbourne House at Branksome and Stocksmoor Close at Firthmoor will also be monitored to ensure that any improvements can be made when they are needed.

Cliff Brown, director of community services at the council, said: "Nearly all of the three-storey blocks of flats and bedsits mentioned have experienced problems of low demand and neighbour nuisance.

"However problems have been more acute at Lascelles Park.

"The proposals put forward in partnership with Home Housing Association would remove dwellings for which there is no longer sufficient demand and replace them with new accommodation for rent that is in demand from applicants on the housing waiting list."