MEMBERS of a Dumbarton-based housing association have voted in favour of transferring all its assets to a larger social landlord – in what has been hailed as a major step towards the regeneration of part of the town.

The Bellsmyre Housing Association (BHA) members overwhelmingly backed a proposal to transfer all of the organisation’s property and assets to Caledonia Housing Association.

Caledonia says the vote will enable a £30 million regeneration plan for homes and services in Bellsmyre to go ahead.

The vote, which was 97 per cent in favour, took place at a special general meeting of BHA, held via video link last week.

And a further meeting will take place on Wednesday, September 23 to confirm the decision and members are encouraged to attend or vote by post.

Louise Spence, BHA’s chairperson, said: “The members have given careful consideration to the implications and benefits of a transfer. We are confident that transferring the assets and becoming part of Caledonia is the right decision.

“The tenants want the improvements and it will give us the resources and experience to deliver real benefits as well as transforming the Bellsmyre estate to meet tenants’ expectations.”

Caledonia’s planning application for 44 houses and 22 flats on a site at Muir Road in Bellsmyre was approved by members of West Dunbartonshire Council’s planning committee in August.

A contractor for the Muir Road works is expected to be appointed later this month.

Julie Cosgrove, chief executive of Caledonia Housing Association, added: “I would like to thank the members of Bellsmyre Housing Association for their patience and understanding as we worked with the government guidelines and regulatory bodies to set up a robust and open procedure for the SGMs.”