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 | | Wednesday, 19 September, 2001, 19:06 GMT 20:06 UK Council tenants oppose demolition  Some houses are boarded up and in poor repair Residents of an east Midlands council estate are objecting to plans to demolish rundown houses. The Braunstone estate in Leicester is considered one of the most deprived in the country, and a total of �49.5m is being spent on regeneration in the estate under the government's New Deal project. But recent plans by Leicester City Council to knock down some houses in poor repair has angered some residents. Janet Statham, who lives in Braunstone, said she does not agree with wholesale demolition. Possible vote "We are happy here and it is our estate. We pay our rent and our council tax, we just want to live and let live," she said. The residents, who have complained about the lack of input, may now get a vote on whether the houses are knocked down. Leicester City Council is considering a vote on the demolition plan in October. The ballot would have to be approved by the council cabinet in Leicester before going ahead. Residents would have two choices: either remain in their homes, which would be remodeled; or move out of the area and live in alternative council accommodation.
Now leaking pipes, collapsed ceilings and other problems have prompted the council to favour demolition of houses on four of the streets. Councillor Mary Draycott said: "I very much hope this long-standing issue will be resolved in a way that the majority of residents are happy with." The regeneration option, which includes remodeling most of the homes, would cost about �6m, plus �1.7m for environmental improvements, such as curbs and fences. A spokesman for the Braunstone Community Association, which is responsible for the New Deal funding, said a few empty houses will need to be torn down, regardless of the result of the vote. | | Internet links:  The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites Top UK stories now:  Links to more UK stories are at the foot of the page. | ||||||||||||||||||||
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