A RESIDENTS' association has a rent-free home, thanks to Chester-le-Street District Council.

The Lilac House Tenant and Resident Association, on the Holly Crescent estate, Sacriston, has moved into a six-bedroomed house in Lilac Avenue that was officially opened by council leader Linda Ebbatson and the cabinet member for housing and community safety, Isabel Smith.

The association, which was formed two years ago to give a voice to local people and to tackle problems in the area, applied to the council to have the building on a peppercorn rent, but the council is leasing it rent-free. The building has undergone extensive repairs to fit it for its role as a community house, a base for the association and its activities.

Association chairwoman Janette Loan said: "Now we have a community house, we can build on the good work already undertaken by the association."

Councillor Ebbatson said the council backed initiatives that came from the community.

"I look forward to seeing similar initiatives, where local groups come up with practical ideas to benefit their community and the council can play its part in bringing them about."