Affected residents will be kept informed throughout

Local councillors have hailed the multi-million-pound initiative as “good news” for a part of the town described as long overdue for improvement.

Councillor Lois Speed, right, told the committee: “I am very pleased to see this being brought forward, it’s a good news story and confirms the council’s commitment to invest a significant sum of money to replace its housing stock.

“This will see 120 new homes being constructed as part of a wider strategic programme of investment in our housing stock, with a net increase of around 60 new affordable homes.”

Ms Speed also received a promise from council strategic director Alan McKeown that residents who will be relocated under the major project will be kept closely informed of project progress every step of the way.

The first in a series of consultation meetings has been held with residents directly affected by the demolition plans and they were also invited to one-to-one meetings.

Mr McKeown said: “Support for the proposals have been very strong and of 43 households who participated in the consultation, 42 were in support of regeneration and the proposed process.”

Councillor David Fairweather said: “Many parts of this area have been a bugbear for a long time.

“These houses are well past their sell-by date and are pretty dire to be quite honest.”

He added: “I am delighted that my area has been looked at and I am sure that in the coming years when residents see what they have, compared to what they have now, that they will be absolutely delighted.

Communities committee convener Councillor Craig Fotheringham also praised the project.

He said: “I have seen for myself the finish and technology in the houses we are building and it is quite exceptional, better in my view than some that are being offered on the open market.

“This is a very good news story for this area.”

“I am very pleased to see this being brought forward