THE future ownership of council homes in Ramsbottom is up for discussion.

Bury Metro is considering several options including retaining council ownership and management, setting up an arm's length management company, transferring the ownership or bringing in a private financial backer.

Bury Metro's executive member for housing, health and social services, Coun Mike Connolly said: "As a council we know that if we are to provide out tenants with the homes and service they require, change may be necessary.

"That is why we are planning now to make sure there will be enough resources to provide good quality, well managed, well maintained, affordable homes to rent for people in the future."

An independent consultancy, the Housing Quality Network, has been appointed and will be holding a meeting to discuss the way forward at Ramsbottom Civic Hall on March 13 from 2.30pm to 4.30pm.