TENANTS on a troubled Preston estate have begun casting their votes on a scheme that could see a £4 million improvement to their homes.

Residents of 145 council houses on the Callon estate are deciding whether homes should be transferred from Preston Council to Collingwood housing association.

The Farringdon, Callon and Thirlmere Tenants Association (FACT) is advising tenants to vote yes to a transfer for the 1930s-built estate.

Member Jean McCormick said: "We think tenants should vote in favour of transfer as the homes need the investment and we know the council hasn't got the money."

Ballot papers have been delivered and people have a chance to vote by post or in person at Fishwick District Housing Office, Braddon Street, during the morning of November 22. Results will be announced later that day. Peter Deacon, Preston's director of housing services, said: "I strongly urge all tenants to vote."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.