The skyline of Gateshead is set to change for good after it was confirmed that the town's two tallest buildings will be demolished.
The twin towers of Eslington Court and Redheugh Court on Bolam Street in the Low Teams area of the town both stand at 200ft tall, and were constructed almost six decades ago.
However, Gateshead Council have confirmed that the towers have been identified as "unsustainable" following a consultation with affected residents.
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Warwick Court on Warwick Street has also been deemed unsustainable, but a decision on the building's future has not yet been made
One long-time resident, who would only identify himself as Mr White, said he was disappointed by the news. He said: "I've lived here for 20-odd years, it's a quiet place to live.
"The council have just spent a lot of money on the flats at Eslington Court and Redheugh Court. They've put new fire doors in and new wooden floors in the passageways and now they've told us that we've got to move out because they're coming down.
"We've got to be out as soon as possible, they told us on February 22.
"On Saturday, we got a letter saying the rents are going up.
"They are going to find us somewhere else to live, but I don't know where it is yet."
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Gateshead Council explained why the decision had been taken so soon after building work at the flats.
A spokesman for the council said: " Gateshead Council can confirm Eslington Court, along with Redheugh Court and Warwick Court have been identified as unsustainable following an options appraisal exercise, which included consultation with affected residents.
"The improvements to the building are linked to the building safety agenda and our ongoing programme of Fire Risk Assessments, these include the installation of flat fire doors and the replacement of ceiling and floor coverings.
"While the buildings are occupied we have an statutory obligation to maintain them and make sure they are safe.
"In April we will begin the process of decommissioning Eslington Court and rehoming residents, which we anticipate will take up to two years, after which time the structure will be demolished."
The 20 storey residential tower blocks were both constructed in 1965. It is currently unknown how many people will be affected.
Both Redheugh Court and Eslington Court will be demolished, while residents will be moved out of the smaller block of flats at Warwick Court on Warwick Street near the town centre - although a decision on the structure's future has not yet been made.
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Residents in Redheugh Court were left feeling unsafe after a fire in June last year - the second in six months.
Previously, Enzo Stewart set fire to his flat on Christmas Eve 2020 and caused £54,000 worth of damage.
He was later jailed for four years after he admitted arson being reckless as to whether life was endangered.
