A MAN who was instrumental in setting up Broadacres Housing Association has announced his retirement as chief executive.

Steve Towers will step down in August after 24 years in the role.

He played a major role in establishing the association in 1993, after Hambleton District Council’s housing stock was transferred over to the newly-formed Broadacres.

Under his stewardship, Mr Towers has seen Broadacres grow both in terms of the number of properties it manages - currently more than 6,000 homes - but also the services it provides, including extra care schemes, women’s refuge, young homelessness accommodation and services for people with learning disabilities and mental health issues.

The association now employs over 300 people and has a turnover of £46m.

Mr Towers said: “I have really enjoyed my time at Broadacres and consider myself very fortunate to have worked with such a dedicated group of people.

"The association has established itself as a true community resource and I wish it every success for the future.”

The Broadacres’ Board will now begin the process of recruiting Mr Towers’ successor.