No support for Prescott in his own backyard

John Prescott's housing plans were under fresh attack today - from councillors in his own constituency.

The Deputy Prime Minister faced embarrassment after the local authority was forced to abandon plans to demolish thousands of houses in Hull.

Its council was under pressure to destroy 15,000 homes as part of Mr Prescott's sweeping scheme for new housing across England.

But the plans ran aground amid fierce opposition from locals who fear the demolished homes would not be replaced by anything better.

The policies were launched under the slogan "Making Hull Better". Critics called them "Making Hull Bitter".

Officials have now returned to the drawing board to review how many houses should be destroyed.

Carl Minns, deputy leader of the Liberal Democrats on Labour-controlled Hull City Council, told today's Telegraph: "The irony is that Prescott can't even see what is going on in his own backyard."

Mr Prescott wants a massive programme to provide affordable housing for the growing population.