Families living in blocks of high-rise flats have hit the roof over plans to bring in a state-of -the-art centralised security and caretaking system.

The Thorpe Edge residents want to stick with their existing system where security staff serve Ailsa, Waryn, Thorold and Gerard House, based in a room at the flats.

They are objecting strongly to proposals to relocate and centralise a team at nearby York House with an up-to-the-minute system which could serve a wider area to save costs.

It could eventually link to other hi-tech housing systems in the district.

The Council says that because the centre would cover a wider area it would cost less than the existing service - for which Thorpe Edge tenants pay £1.98 a week.

But families turned up at yesterday's housing services sub-committee saying they wanted to stick to their present system.

Residents' spokesman Gareth Logan said people felt safe but believed the new system would take in too big an area for effective cover.

The residents presented a petition signed by about 200 people, saying that because of the layout of the flats they were easy targets for thieves, drug offenders and vandals.

Officials from the High Rise Tenants Association also submitted a letter to the sub-committee, pointing out the security teams also responded quickly and positively when people became ill.

But sub-committee chairman Coun Jim O'Neill said the cost of the system was high - even with the tenants' contribution - and came out of the council's repairs budget. Members agreed to hold a meeting with families.

l Residents from part of sprawling Canterbury Estate complained they were not getting a fair deal over a facelift being undertaken on the estate.

The families said other areas had driveways, metal dividing fences, brick gates and other features, which they were denied.

A special meeting will be held to discuss their complaints.

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