A large housing development designed to breathe new life into a former pit village moved a step closer last night.

Progress came with Easington District Council's decision to submit compulsory purchase orders on two properties in Thornley Village that have been preventing the construction of 110 homes.

As part of its regeneration strategy for the community, the council had earmarked a ten-acre run-down council housing estate at Thornlaw North, in the village, for private redevelopment.

The land was sold to housebuilder Persimmon, which has been granted planning permission to build the homes - a mix of two, three and four-bedroomed houses.

But the demolition of existing council-built houses on the site has been repeatedly thwarted by difficulties securing agreements with the owners of two properties.

At a meeting of the council, members were told that attempts to negotiate with the owner of one house had proved unsuccessful, while officers had been unable to contact the owner of the second house, who was believed to be living abroad.

A report to members described the two problem properties as being end terrace houses and, until they could be acquired, two whole blocks of homes could not be demolished.

Councillors approved proceedings to issue compulsory purchase orders to allow the demolition of the two houses.

Since the closure of the local pit in 1971, Thornley has been in steady decline and the prospect of a large new private housing development is seen as key to its renaissance.

Councillor Brian Wilson, who represents the village, said: "It is crucial that this matter is resolved, the new housing proposal represents the most important development in the village for more than a quarter of a century."

A spokeswoman for the council said: "Historically, Thornley has experienced problems with an over-supply of council housing, with many properties in extremely poor condition."

She said the development would create a better mix of house types and provide a more sustainable future for the village.