MORE than 4,000 council houses look set to be transferred to a housing association following a ballot of tenants, it was announced this morning.

Just over 60 per cent of council tenants in Chester-le-Street voted for in favour of the transfer on a 75 per cent turn out of eligible voters.

Revealing the results this morning, Chester-le-Street District Council welcomed the vote, saying the transfer could unlock 67m of Government investment in the housing stock over the next five years.

Councillor Isabel Smith, the Council's Housing and Community Services portfolio holder, said: "The Council has believed from day one that any decision to transfer should rest with the tenants.

"This 'yes' vote shows that tenants have listened to the proposals and made an informed decision to transfer."

The results of the ballot will be considered at a full meeting of the council next week ahead of a final decision by the Government later this year.