THOUSANDS of people across Eastleigh are to be given a bigger say in shaping the future of their communities.

Tenants living in Eastleigh Housing Association homes will be able to give their views on what sort of neighbourhoods they want to live in.

Two new members of staff at the housing association will help in ways ranging from setting up a residents' group to finding funding for community events.

The aim is to build better links with the community and encourage residents to become more involved with the work of Eastleigh Housing Association.

Eastleigh Housing Association is the landlord for nearly 5,000 homes across the borough.

Anthony Lee, 35, has taken on the role of tenant participation worker.

He said: "Homes are not just bricks and mortar and the local community means more than the roads you live in.

"We are doing our best as an organisation to get involved with as many residents' groups and initiatives as possible.

"My new role means that I can offer EHA residents help in a variety of ways from assisting in setting up a residents' group to helping to locate resources for an event.

"I am eager to begin creating a network of residents' associations and tenant representatives as we all have skills to help each other."

Former tenant participation manager Patrick Fowler has stepped up to the role of neighbourhoods manager.

He said: "Between Anthony and I we will have more time to help co-ordinate community activity involving EHA tenants and leaseholders, local residents and other local services and organisations.

"Through this we hope to ensure that our neighbourhoods are locations of choice and contribute to a balanced community."

EHA tenants or leaseholders who want to find out ways they can get more involved in community initiatives can contact Anthony Lee on 023 8068 4319.