TENANTS say they are willing to back plans which will see Golden Gates Housing Trust (GGHT) and Helena Partnerships merge.

More than two thirds of GGHT tenants who responded to the plans said they would support the plan for the Warrington and St Helens social registered landlords to join forces.

A total of 71 per cent who got in touch after all GGHT tenants and leaseholders where asked for their thoughts on the scheme backed the move.

And the two housing trusts say only a small number had reservations or further questions about the pair joining up.

In a joint statement the two housing trusts said positive comments such as the suggestion the two would work well and that it will help more people back into work.

The positive sentiments are echoed by GGHT chief executive, Peter Mercer, who said: “The benefits of forming a group are compelling – hundreds of new homes in Warrington, thousands of jobs for local people across the region and a stronger business that will continue to invest in its services.

"It’s great to see so many customers in support of our proposed plans for the future. The final decision is still a while off with a formal approval process going on behind the scenes.

“GGHT and Helena will continue with their local identities, providing local and trusted services to local people. They will be key parts of the new proposed group, to be known as Torus.

"Torus reflects our existing ambitions for the future. It will be the part of the group structure that will deal with all strategic business matters enabling both GGHT and Helena to better focus on local services and provision. I passionately believe that this partnership will make two great businesses even better and provide greater opportunities for more people.”

GGHT would still retain its own identity as would Helena as they would be run as two different organisations under the parent group.

If the partnership goes ahead the new group would also own 22,000 homes, employ around 1,000 people and have a joint turnover of £100million, making it one of the largest housing groups in the north west and a key north west regeneration partner.