AFTER a year of negotiations, the residents of Ryan Court in Okehampton finally became West Devon Homes? tenants recently.
This follows the signing of a five year lease with former landlord Western Challenge Housing Association.
Prior to concluding negotiations with Western Challenge, residents at Ryan Court voted unanimously in favour of the proposed transfer.
George Hodges, Chair of the active Residents Association at Ryan Court, said: ?Everyone seems genuinely pleased that West Devon Homes have taken over the management of the block.
?Being able to access local services, I believe, can only lead to improvements.?
Wayne Morris, chief executive of WCHA, said: ?The decision to transfer responsibility was not taken lightly, we only considered relinquishing our management responsibility after gaining independent assurances about the reputation and quality of West Devon Homes services.
?We have to acknowledge with no other housing in the Okehampton area, transferring made a lot of sense.
I believe this lease arrangement will prove to be to the benefit of all parties concerned.?
Stuart Davies, chief executive of West Devon Homes, added: ? Residents have placed a lot of faith in West Devon Homes ? we must now show them that we can deliver a responsive management and maintenance service.?
Ultimately, if the arrangement proves to be a success in two years time, residents will be consulted on the transfer of the freehold of the flats from WCHA to West Devon Homes.
Coinciding with the transfer was the appointment of Wayne Jewell, who will provide general care- taking services in and around the flats.