Ilkley'S Housing Tenants Association has called for a larger slice of council cash for the district's smaller estates.

The IHSA was formed more than a year ago with the aim of establishing better communication between council house tenants and Bradford Council.

Two of those involved with the formation of the association believe progress has been made, but there is still a very long way to go.

Association chairman, Janet Gent, said: "We have much better communication with the housing officer and we have seen repairs carried out over the past year."

The association holds well-attended regular meetings where tenants are able to raise issues of concern.

Mrs Gent said the association would like to see greater emphasis placed on smaller council house areas such as Ilkley, rather than large council estates in Bradford.

"I think people view Ilkley as being quite well-to-do, but we have problems which need addressing," she said.

Mrs Gent said she would like to see money pumped into a refurbishment programme in Ilkley.

She said a double glazing and kitchen refurbishment programme would be particularly welcome.

District councillor Martin Smith (Con) gave the association full backing when its formation was announced. He agreed that progress had been made but vowed the fight for improvements would continue.

He said some of the kitchens in Ilkley council properties had not been refurbished for 20 years. Coun Smith said he wanted to see Ilkley getting its fair share of council cash.

"I just want to see Ilkley's tenants getting value for money," he said.

Mrs Gent said the association had discussed the issue of so-called 'super caretakers' but there did not appear to be unanimous agreement on the policy.

She said some residents, particularly the elderly ones, had expressed their unhappiness at the prospect of paying extra for services, they felt should be provided as a matter of course.

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