One of the largest providers of affordable housing in the West Midlands has joined forces with a near neighbour in the midst of a multi-million pound regeneration.

Lyng Community Association (LCA) in West Bromwich has appointed whg as its managing agent, with effect from Monday, 4th April. 

whg, which has around 19,000 homes for rent across Walsall, will be responsible for repairs to LCA's homes, lettings and tending the estate, among other duties.

LCA tenants should use the new number - 0300 300 0085 - to report a repair or any other housing query from next week. Calls to this number are always charged at local rate, including from mobile phones.

Wendy Bodenham, chair of LCA, said: "Following a thorough and competitive selection process, we chose whg to take the role of managing agent.

"We are absolutely confident their team will provide an excellent service to us and our growing number of tenants."

whg's Nitish Patel will hold twice weekly surgeries in LCA's estate office, in Charity Bick Way, between 4-7pm on Tuesday and 9:30am-12:30pm on Thursday. Tenants are invited to call in to meet him.

Rob Gilham, whg Director of Housing Services, said: "We're really pleased to be given the opportunity to provide our services to this community and look forward to building an excellent relationship with LCA and its tenants going forward."

The Lyng estate is currently undergoing massive redevelopment thanks to a long-term partnership between LCA, Sandwell Council and private house builder Barratt West Midlands. 

Construction of 350 new homes - 114 for rent through LCA and 236 for private sale, public open space, a children's play area and new office for LCA is underway.  The first of LCA's new properties will be completed in June, to add to the 86 it currently owns.

whg replaces Mercian as managing agent following a competitive tender process.