This week marked the end of an era for residents of the Farringdon Park estate, as the dilapidated and derelict flats of Crummock Road, known locally as Dodge City through its crime problems, were demolished.

At its peak it suffered anti-social behaviour and criminal activity including drugs, but it has been a "ghost estate" for 12 months since the last resident left.

Bulldozers have moved in and taken down most of the buildings and now residents are encouraging planners to designate it for older people's accommodation.

Bernadette Lucas, 37, has lived on the estate for 20 years, latterly on Orrest Road. She said: "My boyfriend was one of the last to leave this place. There was a lot of drug dealing going on

"When I was a kid it was a nice place where we would sit on walls and talk to friends and neighbours. But it went downhill. I think the site should be used to house elderly people in future."

Youngsters Kayley Nicholas, 10, and Paige Womack, 11, who attend nearby Brockholes Primary School, added: "It is good to see the back of it because it was dangerous and teenagers kept coming here and setting it on fire. It is going to be safer for us now."

Parent governor Laura Clayton, 30, added: "My partner and I have four children between us but we still back the idea of sheltered accommodation because, if it is something for kids, it will attract anti-social teenagers back."

PC Dave Johnson, community beat manager for the area, added: "Even as little as two years ago Crummock Road and the surrounding area was known in certain circles as Dodge City due to crime and anti-social behaviour problems there.

"Offenders have been targeted with great success and, as the demolition takes place, we are finally able to say goodbye to Dodge and focus on the positive things in the area."