DEVELOPERS are lining up to transform a run-down neighbourhood into a desirable place to live.

Five builders are vying for a share of a £26m housing redevelopment scheme in Redcar.

Landlord Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council has called time on the town's Courts estate where homes are plagued with problems of damp and leaking roofs.

Mayor Councillor Vilma Collins said she could hardly wait to get behind the controls of a mechanical excavator to start the demolition of the 12 draughty blocks of flats and maisonettes.

"I'm glad to see the back of The Courts and I'm sure I speak for the hundreds of people who've lived there too,'' she said.

"Residents have had to live in poor properties in a poor environment.

"They were system built - concrete, not bricks and mortar - and are very difficult to maintain.

"They have no gardens and suffered from leaky roofs and dampness. Getting rid of them is the best thing we've done.''

The five firms on the council shortlist are competing to become the council's private sector partner in the redevelopment and would build about 300 homes for sale.

The Tees Valley Housing Association is providing 100 homes for rent.

Many council tenants who have been moved out of the 1960s estate to allow demolition of the 214 homes to start, want to move back once redevelopment work has been completed.

As the blocks have fallen empty they have been targeted by arsonists and vandals.

The redevelopment will provide a mix of houses, some of which will be privately owned, and a shopping centre, complete with a doctors' and dentists' surgery and council housing office.

There have been protests from some local people about the loss of a piece of open ground.

The council said that for the scheme to work, the open space is needed for the redevelopment, which is seen as vital for everyone in the area.

Demolition is expected to be completed by the end of next month when the next stage will see detailed plans presented for the scheme and a consultation exercise.