MORE than 150 homes targeted by arsonists, vandals and drug addicts are to be demolished, it was decided yesterday.

Residents of the Whinney Banks area of Middlesbrough were joined by local councillors in calling for the homes to be bulldozed.

John Hutchinson, project co-ordinator for Central Whinney Banks, is among those backing the demolition.

"A lot of the empty properties have been vacant for a prolonged period of time,'' said Mr Hutchinson.

"As well as being an eyesore and blighting the area, the empty properties are causing a lot of problems for residents who live near to them because they are often the target for vandals and drug users and some have suffered from arson attacks.

"We're hoping - with the agreement of local people - to demolish some of these houses, and grass over the area to reduce the problems of crime and vandalism, improve the environment for remaining residents, and show that the regeneration of the estate is under way.''

It is now proposed that 154 council houses and ten privately-owned houses be demolished. All ten of the privately-owned homes and 59 of the council houses earmarked for the bulldozer are still occupied.

Following approval of the proposals by Middlesbrough Borough Council Cabinet, meeting yesterday, further discussions will be held with residents to decide where they want to move to, and the amount of compensation they will receive.

An independent survey conducted on the estate found that almost nine out of ten people agreed with the demolition of homes, which make up just less than a third of the 660-house estate.

Demolition could begin as soon as contractors have been appointed, with a start being made on flattening houses that are still occupied in the autumn.

The regeneration project is being funded from the Government's New Deal for Communities programme, Middlesbrough council and the Housing Corporation.

The next phase will be to select a developer to produce a masterplan for a new-look estate. That, in turn, could result in further demolition of houses.

However, there are plans to build new homes, modernise existing ones, provide a community facilities, and facelift the area