A GROUP of residents was fighting a decision to demolish houses in Manchester Road, Wingates back in 1981.

The homes and two shops were park of the clearance scheme having been declared unfit by the council.

But some of the home owners were planning to fight the demolition and called for a public inquiry when the council issued their compulsory purchase orders.

They claimed that not all the homes were unfit and that the destruction of the shops was a “tragedy”.

A petition of support was organised and one resident said he was determined not to move until the bulldozers were outside his door.