Hundreds of tenants on a Bradford estate could vote to opt out of Council control.

Thorpe Edge estate has received a £4.5 million Government boost - on condition that an opting-out ballot takes place.

The award was made by former Tory Local Government Minister David Curry last year under a scheme where the cash could only be spent if tenants went to ballot.

About 55 other authorities in the country who got awards are currently in the balloting process.

Six have already voted to opt out - but yes vote by the Bradford tenants would make them the first in West Yorkshire to leave Council control.

The Council is consulting resident steering groups giving information in preparation for the history-making poll in September.

The Council has spent £2.6 million of the allocation on improvements to the 600 flats, including central heating, new windows and essential repairs.

But it will be unable to spend the £1.8 million balance unless the residents opt out.

The Council has drawn up plans for a new subsidiary of the Yorkshire Metropolitan Housing Association to take over the homes if the families agree.

The body would draw in private funds and guarantee rents and maintenance of the properties over the next 30 years.

When Mr Curry made the award he told the tenants they were in a "win, win, win" situation over the deal.

Thorpe Edge community development worker John Sheen said the vote could go either way.

Housing committee chairman Councillor Barry Midwood said: "The Council is now working with the tenant representatives and Newlands Partnership to ensure that the necessary information required by tenants to make a considered decision is available to them when they vote on the transfer option in September."

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