WE will be closer to our 6,200 tenants, providing them with a much better service.

That's how Nick Atkin, chief executive of Halton Housing Trust, defended his board's decision to move their headquarters to Manor Park after council leader Tony McDermott accused them of deserting their tenants.

"Over half of my staff are based in Widnes," said Mr Atkin, whose 230-strong team took over Halton Council's housing stock last year.

"We always said we would review all our office accommodation. Every office the public has access to is being given priority."

Two new shop units, at Simms Cross, will serve tenants in east Widnes, from September.

A temporary shop in Queens Avenue will be used while the Ditton office is refurbished.

Staff are available at the council's direct link office beside Widnes market.

The team at Runcorn Town Hall is transferring to The Cottage in Grangeway.

Only 60 admin staff, who have no direct contact with tenants, are moving to new offices at Daresbury Point.

"Up until two years ago, the whole of Halton Council's housing department was in Runcorn," said Mr Atkin, explaining that Manor Park was chosen because it offers flexibility for future expansion.

"We have enhanced and expanded the range of services both in Widnes and Runcorn.

"We have improved the quality and location of them to make them more accessible to customers."

Cllr Tony McDermott, said: "The trust has chosen to move to the furthest point possible from both their customers and those who pay their wages.

"Curiouser and curiouser, as Alice in Wonderland would have said.

"We assured our tenants that the new trust would be local, accessible and responsive."