RESIDENTS from across the borough have rallied together to create the Cheshire East Federation of Tenants and Residents Association.

One of the main aims of the federation, which was established by residents from Lower Withington, Knutsford, Chelford, Gawsworth, Poynton, and Macclesfield, is to develop Tenant and Residents Associations (TARAs) across Cheshire East.

TARAs provide a collective voice for people who live in the same area, or who have the same landlord. Members work together to improve housing and environmental standards in their neighbourhood and increase a sense of community.

The federation wants to help develop and support TARAs by working with housing associations and residents, for instance by holding ‘shared good practise sessions’, workshops on setting up a TARA, running courses and organising special events.

Committee member David Kent, from Chelford, said: “We really want to make a difference but we can’t do this without tenants’ and residents’ support. Working together, I’m sure the federation can achieve great success in our area and provide much needed help and support in a very challenging time in the housing world, with changes such as benefit reforms, ‘bedroom tax’ and the Localism Act.”

To introduce the federation to residents and tenants, it will be holding an event, ‘Your home, Your Voice, Your Rights’, at The Hall at Marthall on Thursday September 25.

The keynote speaker on the day will be Michael Gelling OBE, Chair of the Tenants and Residents Associations of England.

Tenants from areas outside Cheshire will also be coming along to the event to speak about what they have achieved in their communities.

David added: “It will be a great day for tenants and residents to get together, share each other’s experiences, learn what’s going on in the ‘housing world’, get new ideas and have fun.”

‘Your home, Your Voice, Your Rights’ will take place from 9.30am-4.30pm. It is free to attend, with refreshments and lunch provided.

To book, contact Secretary Barbara Taylor on 01565 650 836.