Flood-hit homes to be demolished

Residents living in a block of modern townhouses which were severely undercut by flood waters have been told some homes will be demolished.

Dramatic pictures of the damage to the properties in Spencer Court, Newburn, Newcastle, following this week's heavy rain showed they looked close to collapse.

The pilings holding up the four-storey development were exposed by the erosion of the flood water which was said to have been caused by a collapsed culvert.

Safety fears led to residents in Spencer Court being moved out, then people living in neighbouring developments were also asked to leave.

A public meeting was held last night at a local school and residents were told that some properties will be demolished, although exactly which homes and when it would be done was not clear.

Northumberland Estates, which represents the Duke of Northumberland's business interests, owns part of the land where the flooding has taken place.

The Spencer Court development was built by Dunelm Homes and Newcastle City Council said the planning application was properly processed, with consultation from Northumbrian Water and the Environment Agency.