Mine is a one-bedroomed flat on the 8th (top) floor of Silkin Court (shown right), which is on Grosvenor Street in Chorlton-on-Medlock. The bedroom and living-room are south facing, with a small balcony in front of the bedroom window. This overlooks houses and a small park.

The bathroom and kitchen face north and ajoin the 'deck-access' walkway at the front of the block (shown in the picture).

The flat has full gas-central-heating/hot water which is very cheap to run and double glazing. The block has a security guard on site 24 hours a day, who controls access and monitors CCTV cameras in all the communal areas. Rent is just over �40 per week. Council Tax about �11 per week.

The communal areas were redecorated in April 2000 and the entire block was rewired. The exterior of the block was completely refurbished in 1998 and a new roof was added. The gardens and car-park were also landscaped. As far as tower blocks go, Silkin Court is fairly unique in having its own orchard, which was planted in 1999!

The car-park has locked gates, a camera and is lit. The base for teams of city-centre security wardens is located behind Silkin Court.

This is a quiet, secure and sought-after block, partly because of its fantastic location!

It is half a mile from the heart of Manchester and just quarter of a mile from Piccadilly rail station, all three Universities (UMIST, Metropolitan and University of Manchester) and the Canal Street 'gay village' area. It also has easy access to the Mancunian Way (A57M). You never need to get a bus or taxi to go out!

Write to Geoff at: lists@nnouk.com