A HOUSING association is to hold clear-the-air talks with residents who have accused it of withholding a start-up grant for their group.

Platt Hill Residents Association in Deane has been at loggerheads with William Sutton Housing Association for several months.

The association was set up almost a year ago and has twice fought William Sutton's plans to fell a 40-year-old ash tree to allow it to build on land off Thistleton Road.

In December it started a petition to prevent the closure of Platt Hill Community Centre, despite the housing association's insistence it never planned to permanently shut it.

Now the group's secretary Neil Garrity claims Sutton Homes are giving residents "the cold shoulder" by withholding a £100 grant.

"The situation really is unacceptable," said Mr Garrity.

"Sutton Homes spend a great deal of time talking up their commitment to resident involvement but actions speak louder than words.

"The problem is Platt Hill RA has not exactly toed the line."

A William Sutton spokeswoman denied any grant had been withheld and said the sum available to any residents' group was £50.

She said the charitable society, which provides affordable housing, had not received any grant application.

"It's a fairly simple process. The applicant simply needs to send details of its elected officers and bank account.

"There's no question of the grant being withheld. William Sutton is trying very hard to improve relations with the residents because the community investment is very important."

She said the community centre, which had been closed for refurbishment, was due to reopen in the next few weeks and that the organisation was trying to set up a meeting this week to discuss a number of issues with residents.