WORK on a multi-million pound scheme to breathe new life into a former pit village has started with the demolition of 61 rundown houses.

Empty homes in Nicholas Street and Downs Lane, in the Eppleton area of Hetton-le-Hole, are being knocked down to make way for developments that could include shops, community facilities and housing.

Eppleton was once home to a thriving colliery - it employed more than 1,300 people shortly before it was closed in 1986 - and now officials hope to transform the area as part of a £7.4m programme that also includes redevelopment in the Castletown area of Sunderland.

Consultants have been hired to draw up a plan for the future of the area, which they will put to Sunderland City Council in the late spring.

The council's housing renewal manager, Derek Welsh, said: "Two years ago, a housing condition survey commissioned by the council showed we had properties in Castletown and Eppleton that were in the most advanced stages of decline, where residents were worried about anti-social behaviour and which were just beyond investment.

"Since then, we've been working with people living and working in these areas to develop regeneration and demolition plans that fit their needs.

"It hasn't been easy, and along the way we've had to make some quite tough decisions - but even with these, we've received community backing and that has been very important to us.''

Mr Welsh added that the area action plan being prepared for Eppleton would give the community a "real opportunity to re-invent itself. It's really a very exciting time".

The plan that councillors will consider will identify land for housing, new roads and open space.

Councillor Harry Trueman, council portfolio holder for housing, said the programme for Eppleton was an "excellent example of the council and community working together to achieve real and lasting change.

"Throughout the whole process we have worked with local residents and have never at any stage started anything without consultation.

"The results should therefore be very positive, giving everyone living and working in Eppleton a new and revitalised community."