HOUSING tenants who want to make a difference in their communities are being encouraged to join a new group.

The Housing Advisory Panel will play an active role in addressing concerns on behalf of other tenants and will discuss and influence important decisions.

The independent group will report to Wigan Council now Wigan and Leigh Homes has been dissolved and the borough’s 22,000 housing stock transferred to the council.

Tenants are being urged up sign up to the panel to have their say about the future priorities for housing and how tenants’ rents are used.

There will be a volunteer on the panel from each of the tenant forums so that each area of the borough is included.

Cllr Terry Halliwell, cabinet member for housing and welfare at the council, said: “Panel members will be able to influence local issues and help the council when it is making important decisions.

“They will have the chance to scrutinise and challenge services and report back on the issues of other tenants.

“We are really looking forward to hearing from our tenants and working with them to improve services and build strong neighbourhoods.”

The closing date for applications is Friday, June 30, and interviews will be held two weeks later.

For more information call 01942 486557 or e-mail Housing-tenantparticipation@wigan.gov.uk.