PEOPLE living in Kensington have voted to have their homes transferred from council ownership to a specially created housing association. Almost 300 homes will now come under the control of Community Seven which has pledged to carry out millions of pounds of renovations on the properties. The stock transfer will take place on March 31, 2004 when a programme of improvements will begin which will see all the houses fitted double glazing, central heating and new bathrooms. In a ballot, 68% of residents voted in favour of the change. Tom McGuire, executive director of Community Seven, said: "For Community Seven, this bal-lot result is a loud shout for change and improvement. "Community Seven must now respond with results. "Council tenants, just like many Kensington residents, have put up with poor conditions for too long. "We are determined to work with them to improve their housing and environment and, working with new deal partners and local people, once again make Kensington a place about which people feel pride." Cllr Flo Clucas, executive member for housing and regeneration, added: "The important thing about this vote is that the residents themselves have decided on the future of their properties. "They have recognised that the only realistic way forward is by this transfer which we estimate will attract some £3m worth of funding to refurbish these houses." Liverpool Labour group leader Joe Anderson said: "I am not at all surprised at people voting in favour of stock transfer, especially residents who are living in such poor housing conditions. "It was basically nothing more than Hobson's choice for them. "I am sure the housing association together with the city council will continue to work towards the regeneration of Kensington." | 
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