GRANDMOTHER-of-eight, Margaret Harrison, pictured, is 61 and hopes the new housing plans go ahead to support future generations.

She said: "I have lived in my house in Theodore Road for 33 years and I know a lot of people in this community need new homes.

"It is impossible to heat these houses. From November to now it has been horrendous trying to keep warm and I feel sorry for people with children or those on a low income.

"There's nothing you can do to improve it, because they are built without cavity walls, so you cannot insulate.

"One thing I do like about these homes is the big living rooms and dining rooms. I bought my house 20 years ago and this is a lovely community and I'd like it to stay that way. But we need up-to-date modern houses.

"I have mobility problems and heart and lung disease, but there are seven steps up to my front door and I find it difficult to make it to the pavement sometimes.

"Nothing is certain with this bid for Government money but it is getting people's hopes up.

"I have five grandchildren in this estate and I want a better quality of life and housing for them in the future. Our properties were put up in the '60s as temporary pre-fabricated houses. The estate is nicknamed the 'tin town' and, over the years the council has done wonders to try to improve them."