RESIDENTS facing the prospect of their homes being demolished are "sick with worry", according to a councillor.

For the past three years, residents of Thornlaw North Estate, in Thornley, east Durham, have had the threat of demolition hanging over them.

According to Easington District Council, which owns most of the estate's hundred-or-so properties, the cost of bringing it up to a habitable standard would be too high.

It has already demolished homes on the nearby Cooper's Close and Thornlaw South Estate, and during a series of consultations, has suggested the same solution to Thornlaw North residents.

According to the council, which is planning an exhibition of its proposals next Thursday, 85 per cent of residents are happy with them.

But independent ward councillor Brian Wilson said that people were seriously worried about the future.

"Residents are distressed, distraught and literally sick with worry," he said.

"Last week, I visited someone and both he and his wife were on Prozac.

"I can't go down the street without people asking me what's happening and saying they don't want to move."

Under the council's proposals, construction firm Bellway would build new houses on the site of Thornlaw North, and residents would be moved into nearby properties built by Three Rivers Housing Association.

But Coun Wilson said people did not want that.

"About 27 people have bought their houses and they are getting really concerned," he said.

"You couldn't get a nicer setting than some of the properties, which face the moors, and a lot of people have done work to them.

"There's no anti-social behaviour and I don't believe the houses are completely beyond repair.

"People don't want a housing association - the rents will be higher."

A spokesman for Easington District Council said: "The council commissioned an independent consultant at the request of the residents, to confirm the condition of their properties.

"Throughout this difficult consultation exercise, officers, residents and local councillors, including Councillor Wilson, have all been involved in public meetings, steering group meetings, the production of newsletters and the formulation of a housing plan.