IT is clear from the number of inaccurate statements that have appeared in letters published by the press over the last few months, that there is still a lot of communication required by Fenland District Council to ensure that tenants are aware of what a

IT is clear from the number of inaccurate statements that have appeared in letters published by the press over the last few months, that there is still a lot of communication required by Fenland District Council to ensure that tenants are aware of what a "yes" vote means and what a "no" vote means before they make their choice in a ballot.

It is very important that when all tenants have the chance to vote in November, they can make a choice based on the facts.

Unlike most of your correspondents, I actually sit on the groups involved with looking at facts and I know the checks all the information, sent out by the council, goes through before release.

This includes checks by a legal adviser, the tenants' friend Adrian Waite, tenants, staff, members and central Government agencies.

All of this ensures that the information you receive from the council is accurate and factual.

The choice for tenants is clear.

Your rent rises are the same for both the council and Roddons, so that is not an issue.

Your secure tenancy conditions have been matched by Roddons in a contractual tenancy that could not be changed without your individual permission. So, again, that is not an issue.

The issue is whether tenants feel Roddons Housing Association's legally binding offer is something they would like to benefit from because Roddons can offer so much more at no extra cost.

The offer includes front-of-house parking, off-street parking schemes, over-bath showers with tiled surround, new wooden fencing, security lights, increased resources to tackle anti-social behaviour, a £1million community fund, 500 new affordable homes, extra scheme managers, not to mention new services for the over 60s and disabled, such as aids and adaptations, gardening, handyman, decorating service and more.

If tenants don't want these improvements then they should vote "no", but must understand they will not get any of the above.

This is because the money we could use to develop these services is given to other councils in England deemed to have a greater need for Fenland's rent money.

That cannot happen with a charitable housing association like Roddons, which is why they are able to offer so much more.

Details of what Roddons Housing Association would offer tenants are contained in the offer document delivered to all tenants this week.

There is also a DVD or video which explains key aspects of the offer. Same rents, same rights, same staff, a Fenland Housing Association run by Fenland people for Fenland people.

I urge tenants to get the facts, and to use their vote. Know the facts and get more for your money.

CLLR MICHAEL HUMPHREY

Fenland District Councillor

Vice-chairman of Shadow Board

Roddons Housing Association