TENANTS on Bury's Chesham Fold estate have a historic opportunity to shape their own destiny.

Today (Fri Nov 22) is the last day of voting when they can take the first step down the road to self-rule.

Some 487 houses have been sent details and voting slips, and community leaders want as many people as possible to come forward.

A positive vote would see Chesham start down the route followed by tenants on the Springs estate, who this year became a co-op and now run their own affairs.

The Chesham residents hope to set up a similar body called a Tenant Management Organisation.

This would be given a budget and organise its own repairs, rent collection and lettings, although it is up to the TMO how many powers they want to take over from the council.

Victor Hagan, secretary of Chesham Fold Tenants' Association, said this week's vote was the first step down that path.

"It gives the association the go-ahead to start a development strategy," he said.

"It's important that people realise that they have a say, if this goes ahead, in how their houses are run.

"All the rundown estates in the borough will probably have to go this way," added Mr Hagan.

"The money is there, the opportunity is there, and people should take this chance to get involved."

The association is learning all about the complexities of tendering, management and regeneration of communities.

"If residents vote in favour this week, it will take a further 18 months to be trained up in all aspects of lettings, rent collecting and repairs," he said, adding that the latter was definitely one function any future TMO would take on.

Anyone wishing to get involved should drop into the estate office on Chesham Fold Road, which is also where today's vote - from 9am to 8pm - will be taken.

The votes will be counted at Bury Town Hall on Monday.

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