They will elect a local board of residents to help manage the estate just weeks after they chose to transfer the running of the area to the Manchester Methodists Housing Association.

A letter has been sent to residents asking them to consider standing for election as either tenants of Longridge, Shaw Heath or home owners.

Seven residents and eight members of the Methodists group will sit on the board.

"This is a fantastic opportunity for local people to take back control," said James Wrench, of Shaw Drive.

And Fiona Bryant, organiser of the elections for Methodists, hopes many residents will want to get involved.

"We are looking for people who are enthusiastic and committed to improving the neighbourhood and to take up this important role," she said.

Nomination forms must be completed by Monday and candidates' names will then be listed on a ballot form.

At the elections every tenant and occupier will be entitled to vote for their own candidates.

The new initative comes several weeks after 88% of residents voted to get rid of Manchester City Council and hand the running of the estate to the Methodists.