Douglas Council won’t consult with its residents about a change in housing until members are sure it would go ahead.

Residents of flats in central Douglas, including Lord Street, contacted the Manx Independent after finding out from our exclusive story about plans to build new council flats on Peel Road.

They were angered they were only informed by the council the day after our story was published.

A council spokesman said: ’The council would not normally inform tenants of any possible change until such time as we are confident that an action will go ahead.

’In relation to the Peel Road development the planning permission is being sought and we are also still awaiting funding approval from government. These are two significant milestones on this project.’

Meanwhile, a scheme to sell off some council homes in Willaston has been shelved.

In the report into the eastern area plan, inspector Michael Hurley alluded to talks about building an extension to University College Isle of Man.

The council spokesman said ’there is no tangible scheme on the table’.