PLANS to demolish a derelict York estate have been brought forward after it was targeted by arsonists.

Two boarded-up houses in Slessor Road, Acomb, were set on fire this week.

The fire is believed to have been caused by teenage hooligans, who have plagued the area for some time.

Julie Thirlwell, the council's investment and development manager for community services, said that council bosses had agreed to bring forward demolition plans in an attempt to tackle the problem.

She said: "The first demolition phase took place earlier this year.

"We have agreed with the developers to bring forward the second demolition phase.

"I am as confident as I can be that the demolition will take place by the middle of October at the latest.

"I would think that will go a long way towards solving of the teenage hooliganism problem."

Craig Smailes, contracts manager for site developers S Harrison Construction, said: "The Slessor and Tedder Road redevelopment is split into a number of distinct phases, each of which are subject to the relocation of existing tenants and further land transfers.

"Demolition of the existing units is restricted by these parameters.

"However, due to the recent activities, measures are being put in place to bring forward demolition of vacant properties where we can.

"This will commence as soon as official demolition notices have been processed.

"As ever, Harrison is keen to move the development forward without jeopardising the delivery of the end result."

The decision to bring forward demolition comes amid calls from York MP Hugh Bayley for an urgent meeting between all parties to tackle the problem.

Mr Bayley wrote to the S Harrison Group and council bosses demanding action on the Acomb estate, after the Evening Press reported the arson attack.

Mr Bayley said he had first written to the council and the S Harrison Group two years ago after residents complained to him about the problem.

He said: "I am writing today both to Harrison's and to the council to say that this has gone on for long enough. It is two years since I wrote to them asking what was going to happen. There is still a major problem here.

"I want ...to get a timetable either for refurbishment or for demolition.

"I have asked for a meeting with all parties."

Updated: 11:30 Wednesday, September 24, 2003