AN UNCERTAIN future for a troubled Prestwich housing estate is taking its toll on residents.

Tenants living in Tulle Court claim they have been left in the dark over plans to demolish and rebuild their homes.

And as time passes they are suffering increased vandalism.

In the latest attack, around three households were left without any television coverage for two days after vandals damaged switches in an electricity cupboard.

Residents claim the cupboard, or "cubby hole" is being used as a drugs den and have asked Bury Council to make it secure.

A spokesman for Bury Council said the cubby hole would be monitored as the authority was also concerned about vandalism.

As reported in the Guide in January, rundown Tulle Court, off Church Lane, was earmarked for demolition after it was calculated that the cost of refurbishment would be too expensive at £1.25 million.

Bury Council instructed Manchester Methodist Housing Association (MMHA) to look at re-building the development with a view to including a selection of affordable homes to buy and rent.

These plans are still in place but MMHA hit a stumbling block after its application for funding was denied by the Housing Corporation.

Steve Whittaker, of Bury's housing department, said: "We have given MMHA until October to come up with an alternative scheme. It is not dead in the water but it will be more difficult to provide affordable housing for rent. We are now waiting for the executive committee to approve the plans on July 21. If the plan is agreed we will immediately talk to residents about their re-housing needs."

Tenant Stacey Fox (23) said: "We haven't heard anything for ages and our lives are left on hold. I can't book any holidays from work in case I need them for moving and we have put a stop on our decorating plans."

Mr Whittaker said that since the announcement in January everyone at Tulle Court, except for seven tenants, had been contacted to discuss their concerns and requirements. In February, they received an update and a "frequently asked questions" sheet inviting them to arrange individual visits.

Mr Whittaker added: "We are concerned about the people still living in Tulle Court and if we get a decision from the executive then we would want to start re-housing people as soon as possible. I would anticipate it would take from August to December or January to get everybody re-housed."