Residents asked their views on plans to improve thousands of homes in Milton Keynes

The impressively-named Community Led Regeneration and Estate Renewal Strategy replaces the old multi-million pound scheme, which could have involved wide scale demolition of people's homes in seven of MKs most rundown areas,

This was scrapped last summer after a complete U turn by the Labour-led council.

Cabinet member for housing Nigel Long admitted the regeneration process had been "too slow" and left people too worried about their homes being demolished.

The council had worked for years on planning the regeneration scheme, saying thousands of homes were considered to be in urgent need of repair on Netherfield, Coffee Hall, Tinkers Bridge, North Bradville, Fullers Slade, the Lakes and Beanhill.

The plan was to potentially demolish many of the 8,500 homes affected and replace them with new builds - some of which would be sold to help finance the project.

The new scheme, which goes out to public consultation today, gives local people a "greater role" in improving their estates and building stronger communities, says the council.

The 12 week consultation runs until 24 April and s centred on four themes:

The first theme is housing, and the plan is to increase the supply of good quality affordable homes that meet ocal demand

Communities is the second theme, and the plan is to deliver better green spaces and community facilities which complement environmentally sustainable homes

The final two themes are health and wellbeing and better jobs, and the aim is to promote a "high quality of life for all residents in healthy neighbourhoods" and ensure every resident in MK has access to training and employment

Councillor Long said: “This new strategy will give our communities assurances that wholesale demolition isn’t the only answer. In addition to delivering good quality homes, the strategy will help residents fulfil their true potential, with better access to training and jobs.

“I’d encourage residents and partners across MK to share their feedback, which will help us continue investing in people as we build stronger communities.”

To view the draft strategy or respond to the consultation click here