TENANTS could face further deterioration in the condition of their homes if more money is not spent on Newton's council houses, warn town hall bosses.

St Helens Borough Council members have warned that the consequences of not putting funding back into public sector housing, "would be to see a return to the type of housing conditions prevalent at the turn of the century."

Newton West's Labour Councillor Keith Deakin said the Government only refunded 95% of the money the Council spends on housing, resulting in a £6.5 million shortfall each year. A part of this shortfall is being paid for by council tenants, which a council report this month branded, "grossly unfair."

Said Clr Deakin: "The money lost as a result of this policy could be used to centrally heat half the Wargrave Estate."

Suzanne Knight, Liberal Democrat Councillor for Newton East, fears residents will be forced into Housing Association schemes in order to have vital repairs carried out.

"It has to be the tenants' choice and they cannot be forced into it because the Council can't maintain the houses properly," she said.

Added Clr Deakin: "The days of the council house in Newton are probably numbered."

But Tory Councillor, Betty Lowe MBE, argued that Housing Association schemes were a good idea: "I believe that a person wants control of their own property and destiny and such schemes will enable them to take more control of their lives."

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