NINETY per cent of council house tenants in Sedgefield have returned a survey on a proposed transfer of ownership.

Sedgefield Borough Council wants to transfer its 9,000-plus homes to Sedgefield Housing, a not-for-profit housing organisation set up by a partnership between the authority and Sunderland Housing Group.

The survey found that four out of ten of those who replied think the transfer is a good idea, with most of the rest saying they wanted more details before making up their minds.

A total of 9,929 surveys were returned after the council staged a roadshow and door-knocked every home to encourage people to respond.

Now, tenants will get more information about how their homes and other aspects such as rents would be affected by transfer.

There will be further newsletters, a video and an offer document.

Council leader Bob Fleming said: "The survey response is tremendous.

"It shows we have engaged tenants about transfer and they understood the importance of having their say as they will ultimately make the decision.

"But this is just the first stage of consultation.

"The clear message is tenants think transfer is a good idea but want more details.

"This is only to be expected at this stage.

"We cannot expect people to decide without being armed with all the facts."