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Tenants in Bellsmyre have given thumbs up to plans which are set to unlock a multi-million pound investment in the area.

They have voted to approve "transfer of engagements" from Bellsmyre Housing Association to Caledonia Housing Association.

This unlocks £30m of investment from Caledonia which will deliver the regeneration of the Bellsmyre estate by replacing up to 250 unpopular flats with 150 new homes.

In a recent ballot of tenants, almost all who voted - 97.2 per cent - were in favour of the move.

In total, 248 votes were cast in the ballot - run by an independent election service - representing 41.7 per cent of those eligible to vote.

There will also be a further £3m investment in the remaining stock over the next five years, including £500,000 for neighbourhood projects.

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The transfer commitment also includes support for a Bellsmyre Residents Forum to ensure a strong residents’ voice from local people.

Louise Spence, chairperson, Bellsmyre Housing Association, said: “We are delighted at this result which is a strong vote in favour of the proposals and will bring considerable benefits for tenants and the community of Bellsmyre.”

Julie Cosgrove, chief executive of Caledonia Housing Association, added: “We are pleased that the people of Bellsmyre have put their trust in us to invest in the area for the benefit of everyone in the community.

"We have given a promise to maintain a local team in the area and all tenancy rights will be retained.

"Once the formalities are completed, we look forward to progressing our plans without delay.”

The ballot ran from mid-March to April 20.