HOUSES on a troubled estate in St Helen Auckland have been earmarked for demolition to combat the increasing problems of drugs and vandalism.

The Leazes Lane estate has been plagued by anti-social problems for the past few years and more than a third of the 221 houses are empty.

Many of the tenants feel like prisoners in their own homes because they are too afraid to venture out because of the youths who congregate around the streets.

Now a survey across St Helen Auckland carried out by Market Research UK on behalf of Wear Valley District Council has led to houses being marked for demolition in a bid to solve the problems.

The survey looked at residents' attitudes to their homes and their surroundings.

It highlighted the empty houses, teenage drug taking and vandalism and stated that people felt lack of investment had led to a "migration" of residents.

St Helen Auckland Councillor Sonny Douthwaite, who has campaigned for action to improve the Leazes Lane estate, said he was pleased that progress was being made.

He said residents had handed in a petition with 254 signatures to the district council last week, calling for investment.

"The survey has proved positive. It has backed up what I've been saying for the past 13 years: that it needs improvement and investment," said Coun Douthwaite who also sits on Durham County Council.

"Some demolition will be taking place, but where and when has yet to be decided. There will be a public meeting held at a later date to discuss the work."

Coun Douthwaite featured in The Northern Echo in August when he criticised the district council for not doing enough to help the Leazes Lane estate.

Councillor Olive Brown, leader of the district council, said: "There's a tremendous amount of empty properties and there's no prospect of letting them at all.

"There will be demolition of some of the houses and garages, but we haven't decided how many yet.

"If it is approved we will look at getting it done as quickly as possible.

"We will have to talk to people and look at the rehousing programme.