Blight row comes into full view

Ray Nichols

Northern Echo, 12 July 1980

THE ROW over the demolition of New Kyo homes will be thrown open to millions on Monday night when the issue is debated on national television.
   Residents, councillors and government officials will appear on BBC-2's "Brass Tacks" programme entitled "The Blight," which goes on air at 9.25 p.m.
  It sets out to explore the arguments in favour of keeping the homes, by ploughing money into improvements while examining problems facing councils as a result of government cutbacks.
   Derwentside Council has decided to clear Meldon, Dudley, Hardy, Percy, Windsor and Coronation Streets saying they are sub-standard.
   Programme producer Ian McNulty said that after a film featuring New Kyo was shown, there would be a live discussion.

    Derwentside's Chief Executive, Mr Terry Hodgson; local Labour councillor, Mr Selby Walker; a community architect and a representative of the Department of the Environment will be in the Manchester studio. They will be linked up to residents, who will gather in a house at New Kyo. Later there will be a "phone-in" using local radio stations.
  Mr McNulty said: "The aim is to get a dialogue going involving all those concerned. We want the programme to stimulate discussion."
   Independent Councillor Alan Westwater, who has clashed with Coun. Walker in the council chamber over the issue, will be taking part from New Kyo.
   This week he said he wanted the cloud of uncertainty lifted from the district and added: "I welcome this programme and would urge everyone in Derwentside to watch it.