THE demolition of a derelict building is set to start following a six year battle.

Stockton Council pursued the building's owners - Bizzy B Management - through the courts to put an end to Billingham House's unwelcome continued presence in the town.

The council finally gained control of the site last year and secured £400,000 of One North East funding to support the demolition.

Despite a last-minute development agreement being signed by Bizzy B and developers Python Properties, the Council has decided to go ahead with the demolition work.

Richard Poundford, head of the councils economic development and regeneration, said: "This has been a lengthy saga and we have done everything in our power to bring it to a conclusion that would offer certainty to local people.

"We have spoken to Python Properties to explain our position and that we are to continue with the demolition of Billingham House which is already well advanced.

"The One North East funding, which needs to be spent by March, was secured for the purpose of demolition and we have already started to use that funding."

Substantial pre-demolition work on Billingham House has already started and the tender for a demolition contractor is to be awarded in the next few weeks.