Council proposals are a "bit wonky"
COUNCIL proposals to demolish up to 40 houses replacing them with an old people's home have been described as a "bit wonky" by one MP.
Northumberland County Council plans to knock down housing on the Hodgson's Road estate in Blyth, replacing it with a new old people's home and "community facilities".
However, Blyth Valley MP Ronnie Campbell was critical of the plans, and said the money should be invested in regenerating the existing housing.
"It seems a bit wonky to me — pulling down 30 to 40 council houses to build an old people's home," he said.
"These are good houses, family houses much in need. The estate is in need of regeneration, and Blyth Valley Council set aside 2m for that purpose."
Mr Campbell raised the issue in Parliament with Minister of State for Local Government, John Healey MP, last week.
However, Mr Healey said he was not in a position to comment on the proposals.
A spokeswoman for Northumberland County Council said the plans were at an "early stage" and would be put to residents for consultation.
She also said at this stage the council could not confirm whether demolition was an option they were considering.
"Together with Homes for Northumberland we are working up proposals for the whole of Hodgson's Road estate," the spokeswoman told the News Post Leader.
"These include a possible 'Extra Care' housing facility for older people with community facilities for the wider community, along with new family homes across the wider estate.
"We are writing to tenants this week to explain the progress that has been made against the long standing plans on the opportunities to regenerate both Hodgson's Road and the wide Blyth estuary area."
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Weather for Blyth
Thursday 17 May 2012
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Light rain
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