Horden, named England's cheapest seaside destination by Rightmove, is grappling with widespread empty properties and anti-social behaviour. Two-bedroom terraced houses are available for as little as £5,000, with an average asking price of just over £122,000—less than half the national average. Despite a rise in demand for seaside properties, locals say no one wants to live there.
Residents report drug gangs and anti-social behaviour plaguing the community. In April, a man was jailed for over three years after being found in a cannabis farm at a disused shop. Two years ago, feuding gang members clashed on Fifth Street, resulting in a stolen van smashing into shops and shots being fired; seven men were jailed for a combined 94 years.
The 'Numbered Streets'—First to 13th Street—built in the early 1900s for mining families, now have many empty homes listed for under £40,000. Durham County Council plans to buy and demolish some properties to build new ones, but residents feel ignored. Campaigner Pip Fallow said: 'Most of Europe has a shortage of houses. We’ve actually got the opposite.'
Resident Liz MacPhee, who moved from the south of France for affordable beachside living, described Horden as 'quite a run-down area' with 'lots of lovely houses, just boarded up'. She claimed the council is not listening and wants existing homes refurbished rather than demolished. 'We’re prepared to fight,' she said.
The council insists its masterplan, which includes improved walking and cycling routes, has strong support. Michael Kelleher, head of planning and housing, said: 'The aim is to regenerate the village and improve life for local people.' However, residents remain sceptical, with MacPhee adding: 'It’s a beautiful part of the world, but people here are so run down.'
