TENANTS are being urged to attend a meeting that will help to decide the future of 8,000 council homes.

As part of a review ordered by the Government, Derwentside District Council is looking at options for the management of its housing stock.

Project officer Graham Gowland said: "It's important that as many tenants as possible come to the conference to have their say.

"This event is not run by the council and is a chance for tenants to choose the standards of housing they want."

The first proposal is an 'arms-length' management organisation.

The second option is for a registered social landlord to take over the housing, while the third option would see homes upgraded through a Private Finance Initiative scheme.

The final proposal would be the council retaining full control of all its stock. An appraisal will be run by independent body the Tenant Participation and Advisory Service, which will make a recommendation on the tenants' preferred option to the district council in August.

The conference takes place in Lanchester Community Centre, Lanchester, on Saturday, February 14, from 9.30am until 3.30pm. Free transport and creche are available.

Call (01207) 218730.