Newts delay estate revamp plans

Residents say the newts are being treated better than they are

Residents on an East Hull estate which has been earmarked for regeneration say the project is being delayed because rare newts have been found at the site.

A multi-million pound scheme to demolish sub-standard homes on the Preston Road Estate has been held up for months since the discovery.

Experts are trying to find a place to relocate the newts which are living in garden ponds on the estate.

Residents near the derelict homes say the process is taking too long.

Community spokesman for the Preston Road Neighbourhood Development Company (PRNDC), Don Smallwood, said residents were losing patience with the delay.

At first, it was amusing, but now it's just irritating Don Smallwood

Mr Smallwood said: "Old houses in Bilton Grove, Preston Road and Mappleton Grove are waiting for demolition, but everything has stopped because some great crested newts have been found and it has caused so much uncertainty.

"At first, it was amusing, but now it's just irritating. This has been going on for a year and people are now living in complete fear of the vandalism, crime and anti-social behaviour that these empty buildings attract.

"Residents are now of the opinion that great crested newts are being looked after better than residents. People are frustrated and don't know what's going on."

A spokesman for Gateway, the organisation behind the redevelopment scheme, said they understood the residents' concerns.

"Like local residents, we want to see the newts relocated to an alternative site as soon as possible. We share their frustration that this has caused a delay in the demolition programme," he said.

"We are continuing to work in partnership with the Preston Road NDC, the council and other agencies to ensure the site is safe and secure and to tackle incidents of vandalism and anti-social behaviour in the area."