REDDITCH residents will be given the chance to choose their own council homes as part of a major turn-about, seeing them take the "residential reins".

The choice-based letting scheme, discussed at Redditch Council's housing advisory panel last week, means prospective council tenants specify their ideal home and location.

Panel chairman, Councillor Greg Chance, said the initiative was akin to dealing with an estate agent.

He said: "We get complaints from disgruntled residents who see a vacant home and don't see why they're still waiting to be housed.

"But we're aiming to offer a more accessible, logical system where residents have the power to select a home that's right for them."

But Liberal Democrat councillor Nigel Hicks said he had pushed for the scheme since he was elected eight years ago.

He said: "I've been championing this for so long. It's something I'm passionate about because it puts the customer first and frees up officers' time for other things."

Mr Chance said the plans were in the early stages but added lack of affordable housing meant there would still be a waiting list where people would be prioritised.