RYELANDS residents and city council officers held talks this week in a bid to resolve fears about the redevelopment of the estate.

And the council has assured residents that nobody will be forced out of their home against their wishes.

Councillors voted last week to delay proposals which could see 30 homes bulldozed after residents in the centre of the estate complained of lack of consultation.

Chief housing officer, Steven Milce, met with residents yesterday (Wednesday) to examine their concerns.

He and three other officers visited 45 of the 69 occupied houses in the area under discussion and left calling cards at the others to explain when they will be back.

A full council meeting planned for next month will discuss a proposal to tender for contractors so that long awaited external improvements can go ahead on the rest of the estate.

Residents have been reassured that just 30 of 80 homes in the centre of the estate will be demolished to make way for community space and save money for safety measures across the estate.

Of these, 11 are already empty, with more likely to become vacant as people choose to move.

If this doesn't leave enough homes, volunteers will be sought to move away, with help from the council.

Local MP Geraldine Smith is to hold a public meeting for Ryelands residents at Ryelands house, starting at 7.30pm on Friday.

She spent five hours on the estate last Thursday and said: "Demolition of properties must only take place with the full agreement of the tenants affected or where there are empty properties.

"I will be asking the council to give all residents living on the Ryelands estate an assurance that nobody will be forced to move from their home against their will."

She has also invited residents to contact her constituency office at 26/28 Victoria St, Morecambe or call 01524 411367/8 for further information.