ACTION has been promised to end the "nightmare" endured by residents on a street infamous for crime, poor housing and anti-social behaviour.
Police, residents and housing officers have formed a group to improve Stockton's Alliance Street.
A spokesman for the New Alliance Action Group said plans included fitting street security cameras, completing a £1.5m partial demolition and rebuild, and increased prosecution of rubbish dumpers.
About half the street's 80 homes are empty and boarded up or for sale.
Former resident Tony Preece said he and his wife were not only driven away by the miserable existence, but he left his job due to stress.
Mr Preece, a former North Yorkshire County Council and Environment Agency employee, said: "I can't exaggerate the nightmare of Alliance Street.
"I complained to the NSPCC about the apparently neglected children in the street. I complained to the RSPCA about cruelty and stray dogs.
"My house has been broken into five times in as many years. It's anarchic.''
He was eventually forced to move to Thirsk after his wife was treated for stress.
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