Blocks of flats which have blighted Bradford's reputation for more than a decade are set to be pulled down as part of a massive regeneration scheme.

The buildings, used as a backdrop for the 1980s film Rita, Sue and Bob Too, have been earmarked for demolition to make way for new housing in the centre of Buttershaw.

Demolition of the blocks on Ridings Way together with nearby council accommodation would form the final stages of the multi-million pound regeneration programme run by Royds Community Association.

Bradford Council's area principal housing manager, Ian Simpson, said the plans to improve the Buttershaw corridor were expected to be given the go-ahead by officers subject to developers' proposals.

He said: "The Council has given a 'letter of comfort' to Royds Community Association saying that if the finances stack up, we will make the commitment. We would have to re-house the residents and deal with the demolition, but we can only do that if it can be funded through the deal. Anything we can achieve over the costs will then be used for the community good."

Rita, Sue and Bob Too, penned by Andrea Dunbar, caused friction in the local community when critics labelled the film as a comment on society in the north.

Residents demanded answers from the Buttershaw-born playwright when the film showed scenes of teenage promiscuity, drugs and adulterous sex on the estate.

But Dunbar, who died of a brain haemorrhage ten years ago, always maintained that the play was a comedy based on relationships.

Chairman of Royds Community Association, Peter Eccles, said staff had carried out one-to-one consultation with existing residents and found that more then 90 per cent agreed with the demolition plans.

He said: "I would say that it's the most detailed consultation we have ever carried out. The main problem in the Buttershaw corridor now is that properties are hard to let and it's a rat run for burglars. The vast majority of the Buttershaw estate however is quite pleasant.

"People thought, and quite justifiably so, that Rita, Sue and Bob Too showed what Buttershaw was like. But as Andrea Dunbar said, it was about her life, not about Buttershaw."

Currently, up to 60 per cent of properties on Ridings Way - formerly The Boulevard - and surrounding accommodation lie empty.

New plans for the Buttershaw corridor include 230 new properties to provide a mix of privately-owned and rented accommodation and retail outlets on Reevy Road West.

The Council has now invited bids from developers who are interested in buying the land.

Mr Simpson added: "It's quite a change of image we are looking at. It will always be remembered for Rita, Sue and Bob Too and a lot of people remember Andrea up there. The association is still there."

Buttershaw resident and Royds director, Pat Carter, admitted she had mixed feelings on the demolition.

"It's going to be a good thing if they can build new housing, but I wouldn't want to see it left as derelict land or open space.

"When they changed the name to Ridings Way, they thought it would change its image, but it hasn't. The blocks have always been seen as an eyesore here and not really associated with the film. But obviously people from outside the area see it as portraying Buttershaw."

Doris Vasey, 73, who has lived in Buttershaw for 50 years, said the flats should never have been built in the first place.

"They are an eyesore and need knocking down," she said. "But they want to put up private houses and I think that will divide the estate. We need more council housing and facilities for children. They are the people who need help as they are the next generation."