Council tenants on Bracken Bank are to be charged an extra 95p a week on their rent to pay for a new 'super caretaker'.

But community leaders are calling for residents to attend a protest meeting next week to put their strong objections to Bradford councillors.

Maureen Parkinson, chairman of Bracken Bank Comm-unity Association, claims residents do not want the service. "The council say it was an overwhelming vote in favour, but I have not spoken to anyone who voted for it," she says. "We want to get everyone out and show the council what we think. The fight is on!"

Super caretakers are being introduced to five estates across the Bradford district and the scheme is expected to expand to cover all estates.

The council says all its Bracken Bank tenants were asked for their views on the scheme and around three-quarters of those who responded gave the thumbs-up.

The caretakers will be 'jacks of all trades' living on the estates they serve and tackling almost every type of problem. They will keep a look out for problems, help the vulnerable, organise activities like Neigh-bourhood Watch and involve all ages in the life of their neighbourhoods.

Keighley College is providing training for the first five caretakers, who will soon be joined by caretakers covering estates such as Woodhouse.

John Webster, 41, Bracken Bank's new super caretaker, says he wants to help tenants get repairs done more easily.

Mrs Parkinson says the council has not made it clear to residents what the caretakers will do. She wonders whether residents who have bought their own house will be made to contribute towards the cost. She also asks whether pensioners living in Harewood Road, who already have their own warden, will have to pay twice.

Mrs Parkinson adds: "We pay council tax, we thought this sort of thing was covered."

Tuesday's open meeting will be held at 7.30pm in the Sue Belcher Community Centre on Bracken Bank Avenue.

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