Garage block blighted by trouble to be demolished

The garages off Walpole Road have been blamed for attracting anti-social behaviour

More than a dozen garages which a housing body says are attracting antisocial behaviour and crime are to be demolished.

Thirteen Group applied to Hartlepool Council earlier this year to pull down the row of 14 garages on land off Walpole Road, near Marlowe Road, in the town.

The group said the structures were largely unoccupied, "in poor condition" and presented a "health and safety risk to the public".

An asset appraisal also deemed the garages "no longer economically viable".

A report from council planners confirmed the demolition was "acceptable" and the proposals were approved.

Thirteen's application stated the site would be restored as a community garden area following demolition.

Safety fences and signage would be in place for the duration of the work along with a traffic management plan, the report added.