Residents of Telford Gardens dismissed talk of a 'curse' yesterday, as the estate that became infamous for a multiple-murder is coming to terms with an outbreak of Sars.

Some residents of the troubled estate said they were used to bad news. In 1998, five women were killed by a fung shui master who made them swallow cyanide in a fifth-floor flat in Block C. The murderer, Li Yuhui, was executed by firing squad on the mainland.

One resident of more than 20 years said the effect of bad news soon faded away. 'Whenever there's something bad happening, the atmosphere is tense for a few weeks but people just forgot it later,' he said

Telford Gardens Owners Committee chairman and Kwun Tong district councillor Winnie Poon Yam Wai-chun said most of the residents did not see any link between Sars and previous bad press. Most residents reacted calmly to the outbreak in their midst.

'Of course, there are always superstitious gossips, but most people I know do not believe them,' she said.

'A lot of residents called me after the news broke. But unlike at Amoy Gardens, not many of them are moving out, as they are quite confident with the property management company.'

A resident of Block N - one of the blocks where Sars has been found - went out shopping as usual yesterday.

'I am aware [of atypical pneumonia] too, but my daily routine will carry on as usual,' she said

'I don't think Telford garden is cursed. Three out of the four families on my floor have been living here for more than 20 years, and we all think it is a very comfortable place to live.'

Some residents said they were not worried about the spread of disease through the sewerage system - as suspected at nearby Amoy Gardens - as the pipes were replaced last year.

Although banks had once refused to provide a mortgage on the flat where the murders took place, property agents believe the Sars outbreak will have a limited impact on sales.

'However, some sellers in Telford Gardens have stopped bringing potential buyers over here for a while,' said one agent.

'They would rather sell their flat later than have strangers in their home.'