Hundreds of residents will take to the polls this week in a history-making ballot which could see tenants opting out of local authority control.

From today, residents in Thorpe Edge and Idle Village will be the first in Bradford to vote on whether to stay with the Council or to transfer to a new social landlord.

Up to 583 residents will be involved in the ballot - conducted by the Electoral Reform Society - which is expected to last for at least two weeks.

If tenants return a "yes" vote, an independent organisation called the Idlethorp Housing Trust will take over housing in the area. The Trust will receive £1.7 million from the Government and will be able to spend £4 million on repairs to their homes.

If the majority vote "no", the City Council will remain their landlords.

Peter Hatherell, chairman of the High Rise Association and member of the Tenants' Steering Group, which has helped to set out the terms of a transfer, said: "This is a very big thing for the area - it's the first of its kind in Bradford and could set a precedent for other places.

"I think that a transfer would bring many benefits.

"There will be more money to spend and the flats will all be up-graded, with plans to install new bathrooms and heating systems. That in itself will be a big advantage from the start."

Mr Hatherell added that, because the vote was so crucial, if the initial turn-out was poor, an extra week would be added to the process.

If the new organisation is approved, it has to be set up by March 31 this year. Expertise and support will be provided by the Yorkshire Metropolitan Housing Association.

Councillor Jim O'Neill, deputy chairman of the Council's housing and environmental protection committee, said: "This is the first time Council tenants in the Bradford district have had the opportunity to decide who their landlord will be. The Council is committed to supporting tenants whatever their decision."

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