Cabinet members will decide tomorrow whether to dispose of six council-owned sites across the borough which have been deemed 'surplus to requirements'.

According to a report prepared by officers, failure to complete the sales 'will result in schemes in the capital programme being delayed, as the capital receipts are critical to enable them to proceed.'

The sites under consideration are West Park Lodge, South Shields, Balgownie House in Suffolk Street, Jarrow, Hebburn Resource Unit in Campbell Park Road, 257 Stanhope Road, South Shields, Bellsfield
Gardens, Jarrow, and Murtagh Diamond House in The Wynd, South Shields.

West Park Lodge has been empty for about two years, and has been a regular target for vandals. Councillors in the ward have been pushing for the building to be sold over the past year, with numerous community groups and individuals showing interest in buying the site.

The former park-keeper's lodge is vacant and negotiations are continuing with the Church Commissioners, who hold a covenant on the land which restricts the use of the building.

It is understood the commissioners are willing to release the covenant, subject to a payment from the council.

According to the cabinet briefing, the property is suitable for either residential or office use.

Balgownie House, in Suffolk Street, was occupied by the adult social care team until recently, but reports say it is no longer fit for purpose because of a heating system failure and other problems with the building's condition.

Hebburn Resource Unit, recently occupied by the council's employment team, is in a similar situation. 257 Stanhope Road, is a former residential home that is no longer regarded as 'fit for purpose', and Bellsfield Gardens is land which was let to the army cadets, but has returned to council control.

Meanwhile, Murtagh Diamond House is a former old people's home.
Until recently it was used as temporary accommodation for the residents of Danesfield residential care complex, but is now vacant and no longer required as a care home.

If agreed, the buildings and sites would be set for disposal in the next financial year.

According to reports to the cabinet, failure to complete the sale of the properties during the next financial year would result in schemes in the council's capital programme being delayed.

The disposal of these buildings will also help cut part of the council's maintenance bill.

If agreed, all buildings would go on the open market, with bids taking the form of an open tender.