THE emotional and physical turmoil surrounding controversial plans to demolish 1,500 homes in central Middlesbrough will become the focal point of a new art exhibition.

A group of college art students have spent time observing the devastating impact the project has had on many of the residents who are strongly opposed to losing their homes.

"Upheaval" is the idea of art group, Axiom nine, which will be presenting its paintings and sculptures to highlight the feelings of the families who could be forced out of their homes.

Some of the nine-strong team of artists, from Cleveland College of Art and Design, will be directly affected by the proposals to demolish 37 streets in Gresham, which are home to hundreds of students.

Janet Patton, a second year fine art student, said: "When we were given our brief for this year's project we decided to give something back to the community where some of us live.

"It is not just the local community that is being affected, hundreds of students live in the area and where are they going to be moved to?

"The residents have been really forthright with their thoughts and ideas. They started off being really curious about what we were doing, but once they have been told about what we were planning, everyone has been really supportive."

She added: "Our artwork captures people's emotions and feelings about the prospect of losing their homes.

"Hopefully, plenty of people will visit the exhibition, which takes a different look at the demolition proposals.

"We have been working on the pieces of art since October and we are now really excited about opening the exhibition."

Residents are angry about the threat of demolition, with feelings running high about lack of consultation and the cost of buying an alternative property in the town.

But Middlesbrough Council is planning to open a community office at Newport Neighbourhood Centre, in St Paul's Road, to encourage residents to become involved in its plans for demolishing and renovating terraced housing in the town centre.

The Upheaval exhibition will be open daily between 11am and 4pm from next Saturday until Thursday, January 26, above Northern Trophies, Union Street, Middlesbrough.