TENANTS of a social housing landlord in Middlesbrough are being asked for their views on a possible move to join forces with another of the town's housing associations.

All Erimus Housing residents are being invited to have their say on the proposal, which would lead to a joint operation with the Tees Valley Housing Group.

The companies would share resources and expertise, while retaining their own identity and ownership of their housing stock, under the banner of a new parent company.

Erimus says the venture would allow it to make savings that it could spend to improve services and build new houses.

The partnership would not affect Erimus Housing's current £105m improvement programme to bring all its homes up to modern standards by 2010.

Bernard Williams, chief executive of Erimus Housing, said: "I believe that more can be achieved by us working in close partnership with another housing association than by acting alone.

"This is because we will be able to share resources and expertise, making savings that can then be invested in better services and in the building of more homes.

"However, our residents' views on the proposal are essential to us, and we are consulting them before making a final decision."

Erimus Housing owns about 11,000 homes, while Tees Valley Housing Group's housing stock totals about 4,000 properties.

The boards of both groups have set up a joint steering group for more detailed discussions about forming the structure and the parent company.

Alison Thain, chief executive of Tees Valley Housing Group, said: "Both Tees Valley Housing Group and Erimus Housing are committed to ensuring there will be no compulsory redundancies coming out of this partnership.

"This is a win-win partnership for both organisations, as well as our residents."

Anyone with comments can email info@erimushousing.co.

uk, or call 01642-773600.

Alternatively, comments can be posted to Erimus Housing, 4th Floor, Centre North East, 73-75 Albert Road, Middlesbrough, TS1 2RU.

Responses must be received by Friday.