THREE blocks of flats could be demolished in an attempt to stimulate demand for property in Darlington.

Of the 54 bedsits and flats in the blocks in the Lascelles Park area of the town, 15 are empty. 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 approved, 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 £1,449,000.

The scheme would be funded through a Social Housing grant and by the Home Housing Association which runs the blocks of flat.

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 in compensation, while 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, in Coniscliffe Road.

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

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

Cliff Brown, the council's director of community services, said: "Nearly all of the three- storey blocks of flats and bed-sits 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."

Councillors will discuss the proposals next week.