A charity has taken more than 20 properties in Bolton off the market after tenants voiced their concerns about the prospective sales.

Neighbours at the site on Canons Close said they were shocked and fearful when the property's owner, East Lancashire Mark Benevolent Fund (ELMBF), informed them their homes would be up for sale on Wednesday, September 25 via letter.

And they were told the 27 homes would “shortly begin” being placed on the market.

ELMBF provides “charitable assistance to needy Freemasons”, their widows and their dependants, according to the Charity Commission for England and Wales.

Canons Close tenants, many of them elderly, said they had not been consulted before.

They said they worried about where they would live.

ELMBF had warned in the letter that “the new owner would look to increase rents to market level”.

It was also said that “any sale was unlikely to be completed before the end of the year”.

Residents said they attempted to contact ELMBF after receiving its letter, but reported that they were met with no response.

Properties on a complex on Priors Close in Blackburn were also set to be up for sale too but have been taken off the market.

But on Thursday, October 3, ELMBF decided to take both properties off the market “in light” of representations made by residents and “interested parties”, including The Bolton News.

It said it would have “a full consultation with everyone concerned” before a final decision is made.

Malcolm McCarthy, secretary and trustee of the ELMBF, said: “In light of the representations made by the residents and other interested parties, East Lancashire Mark Benevolent Fund trustees have made the decision to take the properties at Canons Close, Bolton, and Priors Close, Blackburn, off the market and embark on a full consultation with everyone concerned.             

“Following that consultation, a final decision will be made regarding the further ownership of the properties having regard to the concerns of all the parties.”