Council homes go to private landlord

A total of 1,184 homes on Hull's North Bransholme estate have been taken over by the Liverpool-based Riverside Group Ltd.

Of the 797 tenants who took part in a vote on the proposal, a turnout of 65 per cent, 56 per cent were in favour and 43 per cent against.

The Lib Dem-run city council had urged them to back the transfer, while the opposition Labour group and trade unions campaigned against it.

Riverside will open an office in Grampian Way and will now begin implementing a series of improvements, including the installation of energy-efficient gas central heating and boilers.

This will be followed over the next five years by the installation of new kitchens, bathrooms, insulation, external doors and fencing.

Riverside Group chief executive Deborah Shackleton, said: "We will work with the residents on the North Bransholme estate to develop their ideas and aspirations and to implement the promised improvements to their homes and their estate.

"We are committed to ensuring that each one of our new customers feels safe, respected and supported in their home and in their neighbourhood."

A report last year revealed that one area of the estate is in the worst one per cent in the country for crime, while another is the 29th worst for education and skills. A total of 83.2m is needed for refurbishment over 30 years.

Coun Rick Welton, portfolio holder for regeneration and housing strategy at the council, said: "As a council we want what is best for tenants.

"The Secretary of State's approval of the tenant-led transfer application recognises the many years of hard work undertaken in a partnership between the United Residents of North Bransholme and Hull City Council to regenerate the estate and improve homes."