Two large housing associations, which look after more than 30,000 homes, have announced plans to merge to create a £250m organisation.The boards of The Wrekin Housing Group and Housing Plus Group said they have decided to take the"next steps towards a formal merger".
The organisations have stressed that the changes will not affect any of their customers' rights to live in their homes. The statement said that Mr Gethings will work alongside Catherine Dass who has been appointed the chair designate, and Debbie Griffiths, who will be the senior independent director and vice chair.After 38 years working in the housing sector, Sarah Boden, chief executive at Housing Plus Group has made the decision to retire.
"Residents of both Wrekin and Housing Plus Group see repairs as a key priority for the merged organisation, along with improvements to their homes, building new homes and feeling safe in their homes." The statement added that the merged association would invest more than £50m in its existing homes over the coming years.
Ms Dass said: “This is an exciting time for Housing Plus Group and the merger will help us to make a real and lasting positive difference to the people and communities that we serve. We look forward to bringing our combined expertise together to support people right across Shropshire, Staffordshire and Telford & Wrekin.