Fears crime and antisocial behaviour will return if housing plan goes ahead in Hartlepool community

Some of the residents of Lealholm Road, Hartlepool, where a cul-de-sac wall has been removed in plans for new housing.

Housing provider Thirteen is proposing to build 33 new homes on open land either side of Lealholm Road, Hartlepool, which is divided into two cul-de-sacs.

But residents in the Stockton Road end of Lealholm Road, where 23 of the homes are planned, have expressed their worries it will lead to a return of old problems.

Plans for where new 33 houses are proposed in Lealholm Road, Hartlepool

In the year 2000, 47 houses in the former Keith Road were knocked down after problems with drugs, burglary, intimidation and properties falling into disrepair.

Plans went on display to residents at a consultation event earlier this week.

A spokesperson for the residents in Stockton end of Lealholm Road said: “It looks nice on paper but when I asked what type of houses that would be putting up the first thing they said was ‘council’.

“Originally they were all council houses and is why they got demolished because of the problems.

“They haven’t really thought about how it will affect residents, just themselves.

“We don’t want to be watching out of our windows like previously.”

The spokesperson said they have seen an increase in anti-social problems since a wall was knocked down to give access to the land.

A spokesperson for Thirteen said: “The proposed development will include approximately 33 new homes on land at either end of Lealholm Road, Hartlepool.

“We’d like to thank people for coming along to see the proposals for this exciting new development. Their feedback will help us shape the final version of the planning application.

“Once the application has been submitted to the planning department at Hartlepool Council there will be an opportunity to comment further on the final design.”