A PROPERTY investor has promised to help turn around the fortunes of a former mining village.

A London-based investor has bought three empty houses in Haig Street, Ferryhill Station, to rent to tenants, and may buy up to 15 more.

The village has suffered from anti-social behaviour and youth crime in recent years, and many houses are empty as a result.

Residents feel many of the problems stem from a few bad tenants brought in by landlords.

But the area has been scheduled for substantial inward investment, and there is the possibility of the village railway station reopening.

Simon Jewitt, of Mainsforth Property Services, who is representing the investor, said: "This is a long-term investment which will grow in size in the near future.

"We have been given a specific remit by our client to work in partnership with the local residents and other organisations to help the revitalisation of the area."

Gladys Hall, of Ferryhill Station and Chilton Lane Residents' Association, said: "It is good news, providing the tenants are good tenants, because what we want is to get better people in.

"We want a place where we can live in peace and comfort, without vandalism and abuse," she said.

"If we can get the area stabilised and regenerated, people will come back, and that is what we are hoping for."