RESIDENT power could result in better housing on a council estate.

That's the claim of volunteers on the Chesham Fold Estate bidding to take control from Bury Council.

Chesham Fold Tenant Management Organisation believes a "yes" vote from residents to breaking free of council control will mean rejuvinated housing.

TMO chairman Frank Fenton says people living there have a golden chance to improve their lot if they vote for change.

He said: "The estate has never had a better chance of improvement in its 50 year history.

"The idea is that the TMO takes charge of housing in the area - and the cash that goes with it.

"This means the whole budget is spent in the area, including any surplus at the end of the financial year.

"Then we receive money for the following year without anyone cutting the budget and justifying it by saying we didn't spend it all - because we will.

"This stops money being taken off us and spent on other council estates. It will be used to improve our area.

"We will ask residents what they want."

He said cash would be spent on roofing, fencing, play areas and any other work which would improve the amenity of the estate. If the TMO gets a mandate of 51 per cent or more in the vote, probably being held in July, there will be a three-month transition period.

Although the houses would still be owned by the council, the TMO would employ four salaried staff and volunteers to run the estate.

Initial areas of concern would include increasing cost-effectiveness, speeding up day-to-day repairs and cutting the amount of time properties remain empty between tenants, wioth the scope to extend this to include external utilities like gas at a later date.

Buying Council houses would still be a council matter.

Mr Fenton said: "We know the areas where there is a lot of waste and will make dramatic improvements.

"The change will improve the quality of life and is in the best interests of people around here. We are committed to them.

"It is all about their future and the future of their kids."

Residents are invited to information meetings held at the TMO office, 97 Chesham Fold Road, which take place from 7.30pm every Wednesday.

The TMO is also distributing weekly newsletters keeping residents informed.

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