RESIDENTS packed into a hall in Enham to discuss the proposed merger between a charity and a housing association.

Housing association Aster Group revealed in August that disability charity Enham Trust is set to join its group, subject to consultation and final approval in the autumn.

Enham Trust is a disability charity that supports disabled people to live, work and enjoy life to the full, with the belief that disability should not act as a barrier. While primarily based in the Andover area, it also provides services across Somerset, Wiltshire and Plymouth.

In July, the Enham Trust care homes were rated as 'inadequate' by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), and the charity was put into special measures.

As previously reported, Test Valley Borough Council (TVBC) leader Cllr Phil North said he was "surprised and disappointed" by the announcement.

READ MORE: Council leader says Enham Trust in 'worse than feared' state following crunch meetings

On Tuesday, September 26, a meeting took place at Landale Wilson Hall where a panel of senior representatives from Enham Trust and Aster Group to discuss the proposed merger and answers residents questions.

Cllr North said: “A huge thank you to everyone who attended the village meeting last night to discuss the proposed merger of Enham Trust and Aster Group. After causing such a fuss to ensure the meeting happened, I was relieved that so many people turned out. In fact, I’ve never seen the Landale Wilson so packed.

“From the chair, it felt like it was a very worthwhile session and I’m pleased so many local residents were able to get their questions answered - and receive in-person guarantees from both Enham and Aster executives. Not just about their tenancies, rent and maintenance issues - but about the long-term future of the charity and the identity of the village itself."

SEE ALSO: ‘Surprised and disappointed’: Council leader requests ‘urgent meeting’ with disability charity after merger announcement

During the meeting chief executive of Enham Trust, Simon Williams, laid bare the financial and regulatory challenges that Enham are currently experiencing.

He also made the argument that Enham needs the help of an external organisation with "greater rigour, robustness, and cash balances to turn things around".

Cllr North said: "He was clear that Aster was already providing a line of credit and staff support which in his view was essential to secure the Trust’s future. Avoiding having to sell off more houses - and making decisions for the long term."

He continued: “It was also heartening to hear Aster’s commitment to an audit of assets and maintenance issues - and then making the required investment to bring buildings and housing stock up to scratch.

READ MORE: ​Disability charity to merge with housing association following its 'inadequate' rating

"I was also pleased they made a pledge to work with the community to regenerate the home estate over the medium term.

“If the merger does go ahead - and it is likely that the Enham Board will support that at its meeting this Friday. Then it’s all our jobs to hold Aster’s feet to the fire to ensure the ethos of Enham continues. Their CEO, Bjorn Howard, made a public commitment that Enham as a charity and incorporated company would continue. Retaining its brand, heritage and history. And as long as I’m the councillor for Enham Alamein, I will do my utmost to make sure he and Aster are true to their word.”