FLATS on a notorious Preston council estate, where people have refused to live, are likely to be ripped down.

According to a report, the 16 flats in Ingleton Road, Brookfield, pictured below, have been difficult to let and a source of concern to nearby residents.

Now housing bosses have recommended them for demolition -- a job estimated to cost £80,000 -- once alternative homes are found for the few remaining tenants.

The officers' recommendation was expected to be heard at a cabinet meeting last night (Wednesday) at Preston Town Hall.

The move has been welcomed by a local tenants' group who are hoping to see a purpose-built community centre put up in their place.

It comes after a two-month push to let the properties last year in which 26 offers were made to potential tenants.

But, according to the council, the area's reputation is so bad that many of those offered a flat refused even to view them.

The plan has won the sympathy of a local homeless group. Fox Street shelter manager Steve McGoutan said: "The council have a difficult choice. Once a place has got a reputation it is difficult to shake off."

Originally the flats were built for elderly tenants before council-owned bungalows and other ground level properties were built. In recent years the authority has tried to let the properties to younger people but with little success.

Council bosses say they would cost more to repair than knock down, with the redevelopment bill estimated at £150,000.

Nearby residents say they would be delighted to see the end of the flats which, the council report states, is affecting their "quality of life".