Families who refused to leave their properties after Wakefield Council chiefs slapped a compulsory purchase order on the near-derelict estate in December have now started proceedings to secure a judicial review into the decision.

Adrian Cottingham, of Girnhill Lane, said: “Since the order we’ve been waiting in fear for bulldozers to move in and have been told the council will choose a developer to build new properties on the land at the end of February.

“About 28 residents have started legal proceedings that will block the demolition of any houses. Hopefully the council will realise that we’re not messing about and give us all new properties on the estate.

“We want a judicial review into the situation. We will not stand for our houses being knocked down.”

Wakefield Council plans to flatten and rebuild 170 houses on Girnhill Lane – where about 35 families have clung to their homes, despite being plagued by arsonists and vandals – in a massive overhaul of the former National Coal Board estate.

Furious residents – who say they have been offered between £40-70,000 for their houses and will not be able to swap them for replacement properties – have pledged to fight on until they get a “like for like” deal.

Mr Cottingham added: “There’s been a recent spate of houses getting burned down but we are staying put until we get a house for a house.

“Our homes are being demolished so new homes can be sold for hundreds of thousands of pounds.

“We are now hoping to have a meeting with councillors and Featherstone MP Jon Trickett to discuss what else can be done.”

Bob Hall, Wakefield Council’s programmes and partnerships manager, said: “We continue to work with residents to ensure that an outcome is reached where they have affordable housing in a safe environment.

“While residents are still on the estate we will continue to ensure vacant properties are secured against unauthorised access and that environmental conditions are managed.

“We are disappointed that residents are seeking a judicial review in view of the relocation package that has been offered, but feel that it is inappropriate at this time to comment further.”