WEAR Valley district's largest council estate could get its own caretaker.

On Thursday, members of the district council's housing services committee will be asked to approve the appointment for Woodhouse Close.

Tenants have welcomed the proposal, which was recommended in a Neighbourhood Plan for the estate that was approved earlier this month.

Residents helping to draw up the plan said a major concern was the poor condition of common areas and land around empty homes. The caretaker's duties would include general upkeep of the estate, carrying out minor external repairs, clearing up litter, showing round prospective tenants and keeping an eye on empty properties.

Housing director Michael Laing said that crime, and the fear of crime, would reduce with a caretaker in place.

Mr Laing said: "There are already street wardens on Woodhouse Close and they have made a tremendous difference to the quality of people's lives. The caretaker would not duplicate their role or that of the council's own operatives.

"We think the appointment would bring huge improvements."

Doreen Kett, secretary of the Woodhouse Close Residents' Association, said: "Anything that improves the estate is a good thing for us all.

"The council has done up the houses and employed wardens, which has made a difference, but there is still a lot to do."