Three residential tower blocks to be demolished

Surveys found "significant" work was needed at Lambton, Londonderry and Lumley Towers

Three tower blocks are to be demolished to avoid "significant" repair costs, a housing association has said.

Gentoo said it carried out surveys at Lambton, Londonderry and Lumley Towers in Sunderland's East End in 2024.

It said the buildings - which have 214 flats - were safe to live in on a daily basis but, following a consultation, it had opted to demolish them. No date has been set for their removal but it is expected to be within five years.

The association said it would support every resident with a housing team and all would be "offered an alternative Gentoo home that suits their needs", with an expectation all will have moved by May 2027.

The surveys identified a need for fire safety work and structural strengthening, among other issues, and guidance and advice had been issued so residents could stay safe while still living in the buildings.

A Gentoo spokesperson said the association had informed residents "about the required levels of investment and ongoing disruption to remediate these blocks" and "shared the available options and costs with them".