BATTLING Wharton residents have at last scored a victory in their conflict with Vale Royal Borough Council.

People living on the Wharton Gardens and Crook Lane estate - dubbed the estate from hell - say the area has been left to decay and that calls for renovation work have been ignored.

But after a showdown meeting between Vale Royal housing officials and leaders of the residents' association, the council finally gave in to protests.

The authority answered the pleas of more than 200 protesters who last month packed a public meeting where they called for action to tackle drug problems on the estates and slammed the housing department for not investing money to improve the properties.

The council has now agreed to work through the autumn on maintenance work including outstanding repairs, general upkeep, grounds maintenance and housing management matters.

And looking to the future of the estate, it has also said that major investment will be considered early in the New Year when budgets are set for 1999-2000.

Charlie Parkinson, chairman of the residents' association, welcomed the moves made by the council this week following the meeting last Monday which was attended by Clr Tony Hooton, chairman of the housing committee; Bob Floyd, director of community services; Clr Kath Watson, vice chair; Clr Don Beckett and Toni Burke, area housing officer.

He said: "Obviously they've taken note of what's gone on over the past few months.

"But it's only down to the support of the people of Winsford that we have got this far.

"We were the forgotten estate but now, hopefully, the council, is going to take some positive steps forward.

"We will see just how serious they are by January and February when budgets are set for the next financial year.

"But I'm more optimistic now than before the meeting. Tony Hooton and Bob Floyd seem to be fairly well committed."

Clr Tony Hooton, said: "It was a very positive meeting where the residents' association expressed its concerns about the estate.

"The council explained its position and we agreed to work together through the autumn on some of the more routine items that effect the estate. We are also looking at highway, service area and footpath maintenance.

"We agree that in terms of more major investment that would have to be considered when the council sets its budgets for 1999-2000 early in the New Year.

"We were pleased to attend the meeting and we have agreed to maintain links between the council and the residents' association.

"The council will also be sending out a joint newsletter informing all the people on the estate that progress is being made with issues raised at the public meeting.

"We will be meeting again in October but lines of communication through ward councillors and the council's area housing staff are there on a daily basis for regular contact."

The next meeting of the Crook Lane and Wharton Gardens Residents' Association will take place on September 8 at 7pm.

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