£20m redevelopment of Marsh Farm estate in Luton

Council houses are making a comeback. Luton council says its leading the way. Its announced a new £20m development on the Marsh Farm estate.

The scheme will provide smaller flats to rehome people who are victims of the so-called Bedroom tax. And a new shopping centre to discourage anti-social behaviour.

It's hoped the facelift will help to transform the estate.

It was built as a monument to modernity but now its time is up.

Purley House on Luton's Marsh Farm Estate is set to be demolished to make way for the new housing development.

It's been 25 years since Luton built council houses but a change in rules - and funding - means this 20 million pound project can go ahead.

As well as more than 100 new homes, there will be a new shopping area to replace the Purley Centre.

Just a few years before Marsh Farm was built Anglia Television made a documentary about the thriving industry and dramatic growth of Luton.

The voice over says,"This large manufacturing town tenaciously straddles the Lea Valley almost as an intruder to rural Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire.

50 years on the town has changed. Many of the factories have closed. No longer a job for everyone. The site of one derelict factory has already been turned into a 10 million pound community building.

Campaigners welcome the investment but warn that developments shouldn't be used to paper over the cracks.

The skyline of Marsh Farm has changed very little in 40 years But the economic landscape is barely recognisable As well as rebuilding with bricks and mortar - locals want the council to build prosperity here.