RESIDENTS of a Newton housing estate are furious at council proposals which could see them forced to move into long-derelict houses while their own are demolished.

The council say the Wargrave estate has fallen into decline in recent years and believes the demolition of 199 houses would stop the rot. If the proposals, which encompass both council and privately owned properties, get the go-ahead, demolition could start as soon as March next year and residents fear they may even be forced out before Christmas.

However, furious owners claim the council have only just told them about it and more than 85 per cent claim they are against it. Brian and Sonia Lea of Park Road South, Newton, have lived in their home for seven years and bought it off the council this January. Since then they have completely refurbished the house, fitting a kitchen and bathroom, a new porch, double glazing throughout and completely altering the front of the house.

Mum of four Sonia told the Star: "Brian did most of the work but it still cost thousands. A building firm would have charged at least £10,000. It was a labour of love because we were able to do it just as we wanted it."

But their dream home may now come crashing down, along with other homes on the estate.

Doreen Dodd, who lives in a council house in Fern Avenue, celebrated her 74th birthday recently and has lived in Wargrave all her life. She said: "It wasn't a very nice birthday present to be told that we might lose our homes by the end of the year. I love it here and to think that I could be forced out is really upsetting me."

Mum of two Sharon Whitty, also from Fern Avenue, was moved into her house 12 weeks before the demolition proposals. She said: "I have already spent money decorating it but there is no way I am doing any more. Why did the council put me in a house they knew could be demolished a few months later?"

The residents were also angry at council offers to place them in empty houses.

Ray Harrison of Wargrave Tenants and Residents Association, said: "The council think it's OK to take people out of nice homes they take a pride in and spend money doing up, and re-home them in derelict houses, some of which have been empty for eight years and are probably falling apart. They could get as little as £1,500 in compensation for this and there are rumours that a private developer is interested in buying the land.

He added: "I heard that the council has around £ million of European money which has to be used by next March or they will lose it and this could be why they are rushing the first phase through."

However, a council spokeswoman denied claims that the council still had leftover European funds to use. She said: "There is no truth in that. The council will be making a decision on the proposals shortly and if they are agreed, residents can choose to stay on the estate or move away. There is also no question of moving anyone into sub-standard housing -- central heating and other improvements will be made to all houses."