| Friday 13th October 2006 |
349/2006 |
Local people are being invited to help play a key part in the future of the borough’s council housing.
Wigan and Leigh Housing, the organisation that manages the borough’s 23,000 council homes, is looking for four people to join its board and provide independent advice on running the company.
Wigan and Leigh housing board member Marjorie Marsden and cabinet member and
ward councillor Chris Ready meet 80 year old Elsie Curless at Withington Grange
sheltered housing scheme, Top Lock, during one of their regular estate
inspections.
Board members, officially know as non-executive directors, can be private home owners or council tenants. They will have had experience of management, human resources or finance and will attend meetings of the company to give the benefit of their expertise.
Marjorie Marsden, a tenant board member and chair of Leigh Homes, explains:
“These are exciting times - tenants are going to have more say in the running of the housing services and improving the quality of life on council estates.
“But we need independent experts to join the board. We want to have one of the best housing services in the country which helps tackle the deprivation still affecting our estates.
“The role of a board member is demanding and you do not get paid, but we get a lot of satisfaction in seeing council housing improve.”
Ashley Crumbley, chief executive of Wigan and Leigh Housing, said:
“As a board member you will help to shape the future of council housing services in the borough.
“The last three years have seen a massive transformation. All of the council’s homes have benefited from our £250 million improvement programme, and all estates are getting a facelift. Now our priorities are to work in partnership to improve the quality of life on council estates and to create additional affordable homes.
“It’s an exciting time for council housing and if you’ve got the right skills, then we’d love to hear from you.”
For more information, please contact Edward Flanagan on 01942 486523. For an application pack visit www.walh.co.uk, email: recruitment@walh.co.uk or call the 24 hour recruitment line on 01942 488392. The closing date is 23rd October 2006.
Further information from Ashley Crumbley, 01942 486507.