About 150 houses on Stockton's Hardwick estate have already been demolished and a further 200 are likely to be knocked down.

But residents are angry at what they claim has been a lack of consultation from landlord, Stockton Borough Council.

They also say many could be repaired and demolition work will shatter the community spirit of the area.

Council bosses want to redevelop the area, but scores to tenants have hit out at the plan.

'Moved like sheep'

Demonstrator Terry waters said: "There is absolutely nothing wrong with the houses that are here.

"They are structurally sound and the council are moving people out, but not moving anyone in.

"People are being moved around as if they were sheep and I can't understand why they are just abandoning us here.

"We want to keep our houses. All we want is modernisation. Why can't the money be spend on renovation instead of demolition and rebuilding?"

Council chiefs say they have tried to reassure tenants that the redevelopment plan is needed to rid the area of unsightly properties and vandalism.