VALE Royal councillors are to be asked to officially approve the Muir Group Housing Association as their preferred partner in a £6 million redevelopment of Winsford's Glebe Green estate.

The borough council and Glebe Green residents have been involved in selecting a preferred housing association partner to develop proposals for upgrading the estate's 300 homes.

Three housing associations - Muir Group, North Cheshire Housing Group and Riverside - were in the running to become the Glebe Green tenants' new landlord.

All three groups presented their ideas to Glebe Green residents during an open day at Darnhall Primary School last month.

Now, the Glebe Green Residents' Panel has recommended to the council that of the three housing association plans, it prefers the Muir Group option.

The Muir Group's plan promises a major repair programme, rent guarantees, a preserved right to buy, plus security of tenure.

Its investment in the estate would run to £6 million over a three-year period, and tenants are promised greater control in how their estate is run.

Once appointed, the preferred housing association

will involve residents and the council in developing concrete proposals for the estate.

By spring of next year, all secure tenants on the estate will be sent written copies of the proposals to study.

They will then be asked to take part in a ballot to choose between the housing association becoming their landlord or remaining tenants of Vale Royal Borough Council.

Sharon Hill, of the Glebe Green Residents' Panel, said: "After listening to tenants' views and concerns, the panel considered that the bid by Muir met the best interests of the majority of the estate.

"All residents will continue to be consulted as the final details have to be discussed. Tenants will have the final say at the ballot."

The Muir Group's proposals will be discussed by the borough council's housing committee at its meeting on September 9.

Residents wishing to know more about the Glebe Green proposals can call a free tenants' advice helpline on 0800 243082, or contact the borough council's housing department on 862867.

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