PLANS to demolish run-down maisonettes in Flint will be discussed today.

Long-standing plans to bulldoze 240 council-owned properties and replace them with brand new homes, shops and a health centre are being discussed at a Flintshire Council executive meeting in County Hall.

Plans for demolition were scrapped in 2006 because of funding problems, but are back on the table after a working group was set up to explore the regeneration of Flint.

Flint Coleshill councillor Alex Aldridge is counting on the support of fellow councillors to push the plans through.

He said: “This is a unique opportunity for the people of Flint.

“The regeneration would lead to new shops and new homes that people richly deserve.

“This is a long time coming and I look forward to support from my colleagues.”

The working group, made up of executive and local members, was set up in March to advise the council on its options for the future of the maisonettes.

Flintshire Council chief executive Colin Everett said the maisonettes made “poor use” of land in the town.

In a report to be presented at the meeting, he wrote: “There has long been a local ambition to regenerate the centre of the town of Flint. The maisonettes are of a dated design, do not meet modern designs, offer a limited quality of life and make poor use of land in central Flint.

“The council has to balance urgency and ambition in its plans with the sensitivities of local residents.

“There has been past disappointment over emerging ideas for regeneration which did not secure funding.

“The maisonettes are a large community of homes and any decision must be accompanied by clear communication with tenants and local interested parties and a phased and manageable plan.”

At today’s meeting, members are also expected to note an update on the preparatory work for a potential regeneration scheme.