RIVAL politicians have given a cautious welcome to outline plans by Labour to transfer 11,000 Town Hall properties out of council control.

Opposition councillors have given their initial backing to a huge tenants' ballot on the future of the town's council estates - providing the pros and cons are spelled out.

And housing chairman Clr Mike Hannon has repeated his call for an extensive public information exercise on the groundbreaking moves.

Rent rises for council tenants have topped 20 per cent over the past two years, says Liberal Democrat housing spokesman Clr Ian Marks. He said any transfer to a non-profit making organisation represented the best deal for residents.

"This will enable major repairs and maintenance to be carried out more quickly and rents will be kept low - no more than one per cent above inflation is guaranteed," said Clr Marks.

He insisted Lib Dems had urged the council to stage a wide-ranging consultation programme so every option was clearly presented.

"It will be up to tenants to vote for what they think is in their best interests. We firmly believe transferring housing to a non-profit making organisation with tenant representation on the controlling board is the way forward," added Clr Marks.

Tory group leader Clr Keith Bland and his wife, Sue, a fellow councillor, are asking housing officers to visit estates in Culcheth, Glazebury and Croft to explain their intentions.

"If we go with a housing association there is no doubt there will be big improvements in the maintenance of houses, as the borough cannot afford to do it ," said Clr Bland, commenting on spending restrictions faced by the housing department.

"This is probably the only way the council can go but we have got to listen to the people who will vote on the plans."

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