THE introduction of service charges for some residents on Hillock Estate has sparked a wave of discontent.

Homeowners on the Whitefield estate, which is run by Rivers Housing Association, could face charges of up to £60 a month for street lighting, grounds maintenance and drainage services.

The residents, who have purchased their houses or flats under the right to buy scheme, are outraged at the charges but Rivers bosses said that only a small minority of people will be affected.

A number of residents demanded answers at last week's Whitefield and Unsworth area board meeting after hearing rumours that they would be charged £10 per month for services provided.

One woman said: "We pay our council tax for street lighting, so we shouldn't have to pay twice. Why has this just materialised now, after all this time?"

Craig Howard, from Rivers Housing Association, said the service charges would only apply to people who bought their home after Rivers took over the estate in 2000 and only if it was stated in their lease AND offer notice.

"I don't think there will be very many like that," said Mr Howard.

The charges would also be introduced to all new buyers and set out clearly in the offer notice.

The fee of £10 a month would apply to houses but flat owners would probably have to fork out between £40 and £60 a month as they required more maintenance.

Mr Howard said: "When we took over the estate, the leases were changed to include a clause that entitled us to charge for services. For a long time we have not charged and only when we realised this did we have a board meeting and it was decided last September that we should introduce the charge. We are not doing this to make money as we are a charity but it does not seem fair that those people renting their property should pay for services enjoyed by everyone on the estate."

He added: "Of a thousand homes on the estate only 100 have bought their property. There are large areas of landscaping, grass verges and unadopted roads which have street lighting not paid for by council tax but we have to maintain them. There is, therefore, ten per cent of householders getting these services for nothing and it can't be fair. We are introducing the charges to new owners now so the situation does not get any worse."

Any owner who does not agree with the decision can appeal to the valuation tribunal.