A DECISION on controversial plans to take away troublesome council tenants' right to an internal appeal has been deferred.

Housing chiefs met last night to discuss the plans which, if approved, would apply to tenants served with a Notice of Seeking Possession (NOSP) for nuisance or antisocial behaviour.

The notice opens up the way for the council to seek a tenant's eviction at court.

Currently, the tenant can apply for an internal council appeal, heard by a panel of councillors, which may have to be attended by witnesses against the tenant, often their neighbours.

It is thought removing the internal appeals would speed up the process and make it less stressful for those giving evidence against the tenant facing eviction.

Chairman of the housing scrutiny board, David Livesley, said the board had requested a report on the procedures officers have for internal appeals before a final decision on the issue was made. It will be discussed further at next month's meeting.

Updated: 14:32 Tuesday, June 03, 2003