CREWE'S former Leighton Park estate will be redeveloped next year.

After considering it's future Crewe and Nantwich Borough Council has decided to proceed with plans to redevelop the site, meaning the majority of existing homes will be demolished.

Residents have been informed of the decision by letter and rehousing will commence during the coming months.

Only 22 properties in the estate's north-eastern corner will be retained.

Council members also decided that if demand falls from existing tenants to be rehoused in those remaining properties, they may consider demolishing a further four in the future.

The Mid Cheshire Hospitals Trust, which had shown interest in using the site for nurses' accommodation, has decided not to proceed and negotiations have started to secure a new preferred developer.

Once chosen, the developer will be asked to complete environmental improvement works to areas surrounding the 22 remaining properties to bring them in line with the rest of the estate.

Housing staff from the West End Housing Office will contact tenants who wish to be rehoused from or relocated within the estate in the near future.

The Executive Director of Legal Services will also contact owner-occupiers who will be displaced by the redevelopment.

"Phased demolition of the estate will take place as soon as existing tenants have been rehoused or relocated," said a Housing spokesperson.

"It is unlikely that the first phase of demolition will commence before April 2002."

If residents have any queries, contact the West End Housing Office on 01270 537715 or 537716.