Flattening anti-social behaviour

Demolition starts at Helmsley Drive

A block of flats blighted by anti-social behaviour is being demolished by North Tyneside Council.

Machinery moved in this week to pull down a block of flats in the Rosehill area of Howdon.

The demolition of the three-storey building is part of the council-led Rosehill Neighbourhood Regeneration Scheme.

It follows countless complaints from people living nearby of anti-social behaviour by some of the flats’ residents.

To try to tackle the problems, the council repeatedly visited the flats with Northumbria Police over a number of years.

As problems continued, the council took the decision to pursue the purchase of the 18 flats, which were privately owned, on Helmsley Drive.

North Tyneside Mayor Elected Mayor, Norma Redfearn said: “I am delighted we have been able to progress this work in Rosehill for the benefit of residents living nearby.

“They should be able to enjoy peace and quiet in their homes and their neighbourhood, and not have to suffer as a result of the behaviour of others.

“I would like to thank the ward councillors and those living in the area, especially the members of the Rosehill Regeneration Multi Agency Group, for their patience and tolerance. It has taken a long time to get to this point because of very complex ownership issues.”

The flats within the block were owned by different landlords, some of whom lived as far away as London, while the land the block stood on was originally owned by another party before the council stepped in to purchase it.

It’s expected the demolition of the block of flats and the clearance of the site will take four weeks to complete, and this is being undertaken by Kier North Tyneside.

The regeneration scheme in the area has also seen new homes built on the site of the former Northumberland Arms pubic house, following a redevelopment project by Gleeson Homes.