DARLINGTON Council is urging tenants to have their say as consultation continues on the future management of council housing stock.

A second letter is set to go out to all of the council's 6,200 council house tenants urging them to have their say before any final decisions are made.

It follows a disappointing response from only 100 tenants in the first round of consultation.

Coun Bill Dixon, cabinet member for housing, said: "I was disappointed at the initial response from tenants but if the council is offering a good service, which I think we are, people don't complain.

"However, we are talking about people's homes and radical possibilities. We are getting quite a clear picture from some of the people and if I was a tenant I would want my view to be heard."

The council has been asked to consider Government proposals on the future management of council housing.

The options under consideration include no change to the present arrangements, transferring ownership to another landlord such as a housing association, or to consider looking for private money to improve, maintain and manage council housing.

Coun Dixon urged tenants to respond. "Please do not ignore this letter, I cannot stress strongly enough how important it is to become involved with this consultation.

"Any decision that is ultimately made will involve who will own and manage tenants' homes in the future. The cut off point is fast approaching. After this date tenants will no longer have the chance to put forward their thoughts.

"If a minority of tenants want to go one way the majority will have to follow."

The letter will also include a questionnaire that must be returned by January 31 either in a pre-paid envelope or to a local Neighbourhood Housing Office.

All completed questionnaires will be entered into a prize draw with the chance to win a £50 shopping voucher. A team of council housing workers will also be visiting estates to collect questionnaires.

Visits will take place at Red Hall and Springfield on January 19; Firthmoor and Middleton St George on January 20; Lascelles Park and Heighington on January 21; Branksome and Cockerton on January 22; and Skerne Park and Haughton on January 23.