WORK has begun on the transfer of 180 council staff to housing association Plus Dane Group ahead of the July 2 handover of council house management in Ellesmere Port.

Plus Dane, which is taking over the management and maintenance of Ellesmere Port and Neston’s 5,800 council homes, began its mobilisation programme last week following final approval of the £100m deal by Cheshire West and Chester.

Peter Shaw, Plus Dane’s managing director for Ellesmere Port and Neston, said he was confident the process would go smoothly and that new staff would immediately feel at home.

He added: “Everything Plus Dane does is focused on fighting for fairness and improving the lives of the people we serve and this includes making sure all staff feel part of this mission and part of one big team.

“It is clear already that there is a shared passion for delivering housing services in a way that supports the wider regeneration of the area itself. The potential to deliver lasting change here is enormous.”

Part of the mobilisation programme will see open days for council staff to find out more about the work Plus Dane does and one-to-one conversations about the TUPE process and how jobs will be organised in future.

Mr Shaw added: “Plus Dane is a diverse and progressive organisation, we take seriously the idea that everyone who works for us should feel they can truly be themselves and reach their full potential.

“I’m sure our new colleagues will feel very welcome here as they carry on their vital work improving neighbourhoods.”

Plus Dane, which was recently voted 20th in the Sunday Times Best Companies To Work For survey, will take responsibility for provide housing services for 15,000 Ellesmere Port and Neston tenants and a repairs service for about 5,800 homes on July 2.

Details of the not-for-profit organisation’s new HQ in the town and further details of how the change in service will benefit tenants and staff will be available shortly.