TENANTS are backing plans for a new company to run Bolton's crisis-hit housing services.

The Government has given the council the go-ahead for an Arms Length Management Organisation (ALMO) and backed the move with £41.6 million.

Early indications are that tenants are overwhelmingly in favour of the idea.

While the council waited for the Government announcement, an independent national body, First Call, was out on estates, holding meetings, knocking on doors and phoning tenants to find out what they thought.

First Call, appointed by the Bolton Affiliation of Tenants and Residents Association (BATRA), secured the views of more than 500 tenants.

Results showed that 69 per cent of people were in favour of the scheme, 23 per cent were unsure and 10 per cent were against.

First Call spokesman Tom Hopkins said the results so far are clear.

"Most people were strongly in favour of agreeing with the council and creating an ALMO.

"People are not comfortable with moving away from the council and putting private finance into the service. But people do feel there needs to be a change."

Director of Housing, George Caswell says a communications company employed by the council came up with the same results.

Three newsletters with questionnaires were sent to every council home in the borough and nine per cent were returned. Another 1,200 put their views by phone, 267 attended meetings and 108 rang a council hotline.

Given the results, Mr Caswell says there is no need for a ballot but the council is willing to listen if people want one.

Socialist Alliance activists in Bolton who are against the scheme say tenants should vote and have started a petition and their own ballot.

Spokesman David Sumner said: "We do not believe this is a good option and think it is a step towards privatisation. There should be a ballot."

More consultations will now take place over the coming weeks and if people are in favour, the scheme could be in place by October. The first millions would be available for spending by next April.

MORE ABOUT THE SCHEME

Two area boards, North and South -- with tenants in the majority -- would be set up to oversee the homes. These would be headed by a big brother board of five councillors, five tenants and five independent experts.

Council housing staff will transfer to the new organisation.

Success will depend on achieving excellent housing services and a three-star rating -- the highest you can get -- by March, 2003. The service already has two stars.

It will allow the council to spend on average £6,200 per property.

The first year will deliver a 68 per cent decency standard by 2004 and 100 per cent by 2007.

A technical services unit will be an essential part of the ALMO and will take the lead in developing partnerships with private constructors.

The ALMO will make sure tenants have more say and include hard to reach groups including ethnic minorities. Tenants are currently telling the council how they would like to be involved.