NETLEY residents are to be consulted on plans to demolish a block of garages and build six two bedroom flats.

The garages in Grange Road, which have been the targets of vandals, will make way for flats built by Eastleigh Housing Association to home people on the social housing waiting list.

Mandy Jobling, head of housing services at Eastleigh Council said: "Our recent housing survey identified a very high need for affordable housing throughout the borough. There are around 3,500 people on the register and about 50 other households in some form of temporary accommodation waiting for permanent housing.

"The use of this type of site not only helps to tidy up the local environment and deal with local trouble spots but also helps to shorten the wait for permanent rehousing.

"This approach is possible through positive partnership working with Eastleigh Housing Association."

Martin Brooker, regeneration manager for the association said: "We have submitted a planning application and are now embarking on a programme of consultation with local people, including residents from Grange Road and the nearby schools.

"The garages have become a target for vandals and this coupled with the fact that many have asbestos roofs has led the association to take a proactive approach to seek an alternative more beneficial use for the land."