A housing block for over 55s in Wiltshire is set to change hands to prevent “rising rents and service charges”.

16 flats at 10 The Green in Marlborough were built in 1969 by the volunteer-run Marlborough and District Housing Association (MDHA).

These homes are designed for over 55s who can live independently.

But MDHA chair David Ingram said the association is concerned about the extra workload caused by proposed stricter housing reporting regulations.

He believes this would lead to rising rents and service charges to cover increased costs.

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The group has been looking to transfer the properties to a larger housing association with the resources to absorb the extra work.

White Horse Housing Association, which has 430 Wiltshire properties, has made a formal transfer proposal which would take effect from January 1 if agreed by the MDHA board.

Residents have been assured the transfer will not affect rents or tenancies.

Mr Ingram said: “We absolutely support the stricter regulations, but this increased recording and reporting of compliance will result in substantially increased costs, which could only be covered by significant increases in rent and service charges.

“While it is with some sadness that we relinquish our responsibilities, we do so in the confidence that this difficult decision is in the best interest of current and future residents of these properties.”