RESIDENTS claim that contractors working on sheltered housing in Silsden are leaving the place like a "bomb site".

They allege that rocks up to eight inches in length are falling from the roofs of houses on Gloucester Avenue on to paths below and rubble has been left in resident's gardens.

Partingtons, the Oldham-based contractors, have also received complaints about water running into the houses from exposed parts of the roof and damaging decoration.

So far none of the complainants have received compensation.

The contractors are replacing the existing flat roofs of houses and flats, built during the war.

A meeting was held on Tuesday between residents, most of whom are elderly or disabled, housing manager Paul Woodwiss and site manager Gerry Todd.

Residents spoke of the damage caused to their homes by the rain.

Fred Hirlam who is one of the oldest residents on the street at 83, said: "My wallpaper is as black as the ace of spades. It's got to be redecorated. How long before it will get sorted out?"

Joyce Fearney, chairman of the residents' association, added: "The residents may be old but they are proud and they want their homes sorted out. It's as simple as that."

Mr Todd said the firm had changed their working arrangements to alleviate further damage and any damage caused by the company would be paid for.

However there was confusion among residents over who was taking responsibility for the claims. Some said they had spoken to the council, only to be told to write directly to the contractors.

Mrs Fearney said: "We are council tenants and the council should look after us. We did not contract Partingtons, the council did, and it should be the council which deals with our claims.

She added: "One resident had water running down their tiles which spoilt their decorations. They put in a claim to the council three weeks ago and they have still not had a reply.

"It is bad enough being inconvenienced with all the damp and water. We now have to wait and beg and scrape to see who's going to get the money to do it."

Resident Catherine Doidge said: "You are expecting old and disabled people to take on the onus themselves and that just isn't right."

Coun Chris Atkinson raised the issue of health and safety as one man had already hit his head on scaffolding.

He was also concerned that the builders were working above people's head and large rocks were falling from the roof.

Mr Todd replied that planking had been placed above the doors to protect the residents, but Coun Atkinson said that this was not enough. "I would like to see some sort of netting around the building," he added.

Mrs Fearney told Mr Todd that they would review the situation in six weeks' time, and if no compensation had been received, then another meeting would be held.