Durham County Council's proposal to demolish historic homes in Horden has sparked outrage among residents, who label it 'social cleansing'. The £10.7 million regeneration plan targets the 'Numbered Streets' area, established in the early 1900s for coal mining communities.
Horden, recently named the UK's cheapest seaside village by Rightmove, sees 100 properties slated for demolition. The council aims to purchase homes below market price, but locals resist, citing a 72% preference for refurbishment over demolition according to campaign group Fair Deal For Horden.
Resident Raymond Bellingham, who has lived on Third Street for 60 years, says the council is ignoring the community. "They want to wipe out this community, to build new houses and obliterate heritage and history," he said, criticising offers of £30,000-£35,000 for homes.
Community organiser Joe from Shelter argues that renovation is cheaper and less disruptive, noting that "many feel they'll be financially worse off" under the relocation package. He points to a similar successful restoration project in Hartlepool as an alternative.
The plans have been contested since a 2019 consultation, with residents claiming the council is ignoring their voices. Durham County Council maintains the project aims to revitalise the area, but opponents see it as a threat to community bonds and history.
