D-Day for housing estate vote

In all, 1,229 tenants on North Bransholme, have been asked to vote on the proposed transfer of ownership of 1,175 properties to the Liverpool-based Riverside housing association, a move that would lead to significant investment in the area and home improvements beyond what the council could afford.

Between 55 and 60 per cent of residents are believed to have taken part in the ballot. The issue has been strongly contested, with Labour councillors and trade unionists urging people to vote "no", while the Lib Dem-run council and others including Independent councillor Anita Harrison, a founder member of Bransholme residents' group Urban, argued in favour of the switch.

A report in November revealed that one area of the estate is in the worst one per cent in the country for crime, while another is the 29th worst for education and skills.

A total of 83.2m is needed to refurbish properties over the next 30 years.

Picture: Terry Carrott