COUNCIL tenants in Ribble Valley are invited to "meet the board" on Thursday.

They can meet the people who will be running the housing company, Ribble Valley Homes, if their homes are transferred from Ribble Valley Borough Council to the independent sector next year.

The shadow board of Ribble Valley Homes and staff will be on hand to answer questions at an open evening at the Your Home, Your Future, Your Choice shop in the King Lane, Clitheroe, from 3.30 to 7pm.

The event will include a Hallowe'en theme, with refreshments, face painting and colouring competitions for children, as well as a free prize draw.

Tenants are invited to drop in and talk to the shadow board and staff about the proposed transfer. They will also be able to see examples of home improvements such as kitchens and bathrooms that will be on offer if transfer goes ahead.

Transfer to Ribble Valley Homes will see around £14.8 million of cash spent on tenants' homes and services in the first five years.

Tenants are currently being consulted on the proposed transfer and will be asked to vote in a confidential postal ballot shortly. If the majority vote in favour, transfer will take place next year.

Joyce Holgate, chairman of the Ribble Valley Homes shadow board, said: "This is an opportunity for tenants to put the people who could be running their homes on the spot."