RESIDENTS are demanding security measures to prevent their flats being an "open house" for firebugs.

Piles of papers are regularly torched by youngsters in the hallway of a block of flats at Bamford Gardens, on the Broomwood estate in Timperley.

Last week one of the residents had to put out a blaze, while the hall and stairs are often strewn with charred papers, used matches, crisp packets and cans.

And the fed-up residents are worried that a blaze would take hold if the firebugs struck at night.

The intruders also play with the electricity box, switching the lights on and off on the stairs.

A couple of months ago the six residents were assured a lock and intercom would be put on the block but still nothing has been done.

One of the residents says: "These flats are an open house for these people. The stairs are covered in matches, burnt paper, cans, cigarettes and crisp packets. They are a disgrace, it is disgusting.

"And we are all scared they could come at night and start a fire then or when they are playing with the electrics.

"The council promised to help but still nothing has happened and this has been going on for two years now.

"It is such a shame because this used to be a lovely estate but now things are out of control."

Ed Barber, assistant director of housing, says improvement work will soon be carried out: "The council decided to carry out a programme of improvements in other blocks across the borough at the same time, because it was more cost effective. Because of the amount of work involved, however, we had to invite tenders, which has caused a slight delay but the work is due to begin in March.

"We are sorry for any problems this delay may cause residents, but we believe this enhanced programme will provide them with better value for money."

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