TWO former councillors are spearheading a campaign to keep 4,600 homes in Chester-le-Street within the control of the local authority.

Chester-le-Street District Council is considering a number of options for the future of its housing stock.

But George Watson, who previously served on the council, and former Durham county councillor Derek Bates want the authority to retain ownership of the properties.

Mr Watson said: "The council appears hell-bent on getting rid of the houses but the provision of social housing is the most important function of the local authority.

"If they are sold on, it will mean that in the end tenants will face whopping rent rises and they will not be able to turn to their councillors."

The council said a tenants' conference of 130 people showed 90 per cent support for a total stock transfer.

Mr Bates is angry that the council says the minds of tenants are made up.

He said: "The council should stop the spin and give all 4,600 tenants the facts.

"The only people who will gain from a stock transfer are some staff whose salaries will shoot up, but it will be the tenants who will pay in the long run with much bigger rents and no control over their destiny."

The former councillors are calling on tenants to support retention of council housing within the local authority's control.

They intend to leaflet every council house as part of a high-profile campaign and plan to hold a public meeting soon.

The council said it has also used interviews, questionnaire surveys, conferences and newsletters to consult people. It says it has gained the views of 20 per cent of its tenants.

The spokesman said: "The council will consider a wide range of factors to make an informed decision to benefit both tenants and residents across the district.

"If the council decides on the stock transfer option, this option would still require a ballot of all tenants.

"The council will remain objective when it makes a decision on the future management of its housing stock.

"The council always seeks to act in the best interest of the wider community and makes decisions grounded on factual information."