COUNCIL tenants in Worcester are being "blackmailed" into accepting housing association control, according to a Ronkswood man.

Jon Baddeley claims residents on his and other estates are being offered no real alternative to privately run housing.

He is so angered by what he says is a lack of choice he is drafting a letter to Prime Minister Tony Blair with the help of Councillor Mike Layland.

"I'd like the Government to invest money in council-run housing and give Worcester City Council the same level playing field as housing associations," said Mr Baddeley, of Ripon Road.

"We're being blackmailed into this decision because if we remain in council-run control, the Government is offering no new finance to repair and maintain our houses.

"The housing association group is allowed to buy the houses for a cut price £8,000, but tenants have to pay the full asking price for the properties. That surely can't be fair.

"Myself and other residents had no say on who would represent our views on the tenants' board. It hardly seems democratic."

More than 5,200 council tenants will be asked to decide whether to opt out of council control by the end of December.

"I want our residents to live in decent housing with decent facilities. I'll back their decision whether they vote yes or no to housing association control," said Coun Layland.

"I'd urge everyone to attend the forthcoming meetings of Worcester Tenants' Association to find out all the facts of this important decision.

"What really worries me is will Worcester council be given money to maintain housing if our residents decide to say no to change?"

David Wareing, Worcester City Council's principal director, emphatically denied any back door privatisation.

"We need to consider the problems facing housing in Worcester both for today and tomorrow. It would be hard to remain as we are with the amount of money needed to maintain modern stock," he said.

"Housing associations are non-profit organisations run by the Government - it is not some form of privatisation. We'll consult residents on all our decisions and will not transfer housing stock ownership out of council hands unless residents vote to do so."

Progress on work carried out by the tenants' association is due to be discussed at a meeting tonight in the Guildhall.