THE council wants to transfer the ownership and management of its 15,600 homes to a new independent, not-for-profit Local Housing Company -- to give tenants better homes and improved services in the future.

The council will shortly be consulting, and later this year will hold a ballot of all tenants, on its proposals.

Independent board members are wanted for the board of the new Local Housing Company that would run the homes if tenants vote 'yes' to transfer.

The Board of the new organisation would be made up of four tenants, four councillors and four independent people. They would all be unpaid, and would bring a wide variety of skills to help the board make the best decisions.

Independent people would, along with the tenants and councillors, help shape the new company and influence the future of affordable housing for people in St Helens.

Ideally the independent board members will have skills and experience in any of the following: finance; special needs; community development; business; housing management; IT; building and development, and law.

Board members are unpaid and will only receive travelling expenses. The work is, however, both interesting and rewarding. If you have the skills, interest and enthusiasm in abundance , the council would like to hear from you.

For further details and an application form, or an informal chat about the project or being a board member, contact Steve Moore or Geoff Brooks on 01744 456312, or 01744 456239. Or write to the Head of Housing, St Helens Metropolitan Borough Council, Wesley House, Corporation Street, St Helens, WA10 1HE.