Tenants living in decrepit-looking flats by a canal-side beauty spot are furious at being overlooked during a multi-million pound refurbishment programme.

House-proud Crossflatts residents say they are embarrassed when people enjoying the Leeds Liverpool Canal see the decaying state of the 1960s-built flats. And tenants Ann Speight and Sue Waite are maddened when owner Aire-Wharfe Community Housing Trust sends its newsletter promoting the £125 million refurbishment programme which has not touched their Marley Court homes. "You see people in this magazine and they're smiling and saying how great it is to have refurbished homes," said Mrs Speight.

"But isn't it weird they don't have articles on how Marley Court's a big mess?"

After years of asking for improvements, Mrs Speight said the final straw came in February when Aire-Wharfe told her of a rent increase. "I'm probably not going to pay the increase. Why should I fund all this work when we're getting nothing in return?" she said.

She said people walking along the tow-path or going past in boats must have a dim view of the residents of the run-down flats.

"We are proud people and have spent our own money making the inside and outside of our homes as attractive as we can, but a first time visitor seeing the outside wouldn't think that," she said.

Mrs Waite said the lack of investment had left residents living in an "eyesore".

Neighbour David Wilson said the decaying appearance let the area down. "It's a beautiful place around here, but people must think our flats have gone to the dogs."

The trust took over the running of former Bradford Council homes in 2003.

Mrs Speight has enlisted the help of Shipley MP Philip Davies who has visited and written to the Trust.

Harry Whittle, head of operations at Aire-Wharfe Community Housing Trust, said: "We are aware of the condition of the flats at Marley Court and we are about to carry out a full assessment of the work required together with an options appraisal. When this is completed we will discuss fully with tenants the way forward."