A HOUSING association which provides affordable homes for thousands of people across Hampshire, including Andover, has appointed a new chair. 

The Aster Group has announced Stephen Trusler as its new non-executive chair.

Mr Trusler's strong track record, which includes over 40 years’ experience working with several large organisations in the housing sector, will prove invaluable to the business, Aster has said. 

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Andover Advertiser: Aster has announced Stephen Trusler as its new non-executive chairAster, led by group chief executive Bjorn Howard, owns and manages more than 36,000 homes across the south of England and London, including over 8,000 in Hampshire with a portfolio that includes social and affordable rent and shared ownership homes.

Mr Trusler said: “Aster has continued to grow and navigate some hugely difficult headwinds, not least Covid-19. I look forward to building on the previous chair’s hard work and supporting Bjorn and the executive board to deliver Aster’s vision that everyone has a home.”

The new appointment comes after over £83m was invested across Aster’s estate of over 36,000 properties, with over 120,000 repairs completed.

During the 2022/23 financial year, the group also delivered its highest-ever total of properties over 12 months, providing much-needed new affordable homes for those who need them, including 211 new homes in Hampshire.