THOUSANDS of Worcester families are a step closer to having a new landlord after councillors decided their homes should be sold.

Councillors debating the issue at Worcester City Council's full meeting last night heard that the authority could no longer afford to maintain and repair the 5,200 homes.

Worcester's Labour party had urged the council to defer any decision until all options had been considered - including transferring the stock to a company which would manage the housing on behalf of the council.

But the ruling Conservatives pressed ahead with the recommendation to "express an interest", adding that all options would still be considered.

This means the housing stock, valued at £40m can now be transferred to a new organisation, after public consultation. Members decided it was in the best interests of the tenants, the council, its staff and the stock, to transfer the stock to a "newly-created registered social landlord".

"Our main concern is the tenants and what is best for them," said Councillor Gary Kibblewhite.

"By next year, there will be a £400,000 deficit and by March 2003, there will be no money left at all to repair the council homes. What will we tell the tenants then?

Coun Jo Hodges said by going ahead with transferring the stock to one option would be taking choice away from the tenants.

Coun Mike Layland said there was no other choice but to proceed because there would be no money left to maintain the homes.

"Whoever would have thought the Labour Government would've forced us into this," he said. "I can't believe this day has come."

A ballot will be held so that council tenants can have their say and vote on the issues surrounding the transfer of the homes.

A MONTHLY meeting of the Alzheimer's Society will take place tomorrow at a city venue.

The Worcester and district branch will hear a talk by Diana Elt on relieving stress by Indian head massage and aromatherapy.

The talk will take place at Woodgreen Evangelical Church, Hastings Drive, Warndon Villages, at 7.30pm.