THREE housing groups are vying to take over council housing stock in Hyndburn, it was revealed today.

Contour Housing Group, Muir Group Housing and Twin Valley Homes will battle it out to take over and run 3,000 homes in the borough.

The bodies will be at a public meeting at Accrington Town Hall on Monday, May 10, between 11am and 6.30pm, to give tenants the chance to meet their potential landlords.

Transfer is being proposed as the council cannot afford to improve homes to a locally-devised standard agreed by tenants. A newly-formed housing organisation would be a partner of an existing housing association.

The trio have been short-listed by a panel of tenants, councillors and council staff, who have been working to identify the type of landlord organisation that would best meet the needs and wishes of Hyndburn's tenants.

Ken Bury, director of Hyndburn Homes, said: "This is a crucial stage of the transfer consultation process. I would urge tenants to come along and give us their views.

"Representatives from the three short-listed partners will explain how their organisation would help run homes and services in Hyndburn, if tenants vote for homes to be transferred.

"As well as helping tenants find out what's on offer, we also want them to tell us what they think of the possible partners."

The new organisation would be run by a board of management, with representation from tenants, councillors and independent members.

Tenants wanting more details can contact Hyndburn Council on 01254 388111 or Indigo, the independent tenants' advisor, on 0800 146 702.