THOUSANDS of council tenants have voted in favour of their homes being sold to a housing association.

The move should mean investment in housing worth £57m for the Yorkshire Coast, with all the houses being refitted with kitchens, double glazing and central heating, as well as improved lighting and security.

Almost 80 per cent of all tenants voted overwhelmingly in support of a transfer of ownership from Scarborough Borough Council to Yorkshire Coast Homes.

Residents from Whitby and Scarborough took part in a postal vote conducted by Electoral Reform Ballot Services on behalf of the council.

More than 70 per cent of those who voted were in favour of their houses being owned and managed by the non-profit making housing association.

Councillor David Jeffels, deputy leader of Scarborough council, said: "Once the transfer is finally sanctioned, as we hope it will be, it will mean that the quality of life for so many people in our borough will be improved."

The council would not have been able to afford the modernisation of all the Whitby and Scarborough houses. With the decision to transfer the housing stock, the houses can be upgraded within five years.

Coun Jeffels said: "I hope the social problems we have seen in certain areas of our estates will become a thing of the past as the streets and amenity areas are enhanced."

The council's director of housing services, Steve Oldridge, said: "This is good news for existing and future tenants, and for the wider community.

"It will mean service and home improvements, which will benefit everyone."

Yorkshire Coast Homes was delighted to be given the go-ahead to work with the tenants. Board chairman Derek Bastiman said: "The quality of life for our tenants has always been paramount but now, with this successful ballot result, we can make the dream a reality."

The council's cabinet formally considered the ballot at a meeting yesterday and will make a recommendation to the council early in the New Year.