Scores of families have moved out of Newcastle's West End

The Lib Dems took control of the city in the local elections - ending a 30-year Labour reign.

The new leadership's first policy pledge is to scrap a controversial �200m regeneration project, dubbed Going For Growth.

The plan, to demolish whole areas of the city, came in for criticism from many residents.

Going for Growth would have seen entire neighbourhoods demolished in the East and West Ends of the city.

Labour claimed it was the only way to halt a rapid population decline.

But the new Lib Dem administration has shelved the project, claiming it did not have enough public support to succeed.

Newly-elected councillor Greg Stone said: "It failed because the council did not take the community with it.

There is a great deal more involved than the demolition of homes and redevelopment Sir Jeremy Beecham

"It was a brave policy initiative, but it was not properly thought through.

"It never had the support of the community and regeneration can never work if it imposed from above.

"We want to involve the people more."

But former Labour leader of Newcastle City Council and sitting councillor Sir Jeremy Beecham said: "Going for Growth wasn't just about regenerating the west End of Newcastle, it's about regenerating the city as a whole.

"There is a great deal more involved than the demolition of homes and redevelopment.

"I don't know what they mean when they say they are going to scrap it.

"Already a number of houses have been demolished and need a proper plan to invest in these areas."

The Lib Dems officially take over the running of the council at the annual meeting on 30 June.