Rights group for tenants is honoured

A CIVIC reception has been held in the Capital to mark the achievements of a group that has campaigned for 20 years to improve housing conditions.

The council held the celebration of the work of the Edinburgh Tenants Association (ETA) last night in the City Chambers, despite the group being one of the most vocal opponents of its failed attempt to introduce the housing stock transfer.

ETA, which draws its membership from 60 tenants' and residents' groups across the city, was congratulated for its work at the event, hosted by Lord Provost George Grubb.

Cllr Grubb said: "The Edinburgh Tenants Federation have provided a valuable campaigning voice on many housing issues for tenants in Edinburgh over the years and there is no doubt that their efforts have helped improve services."

Councillor Norman Work, convener of the city's tenant participation working group, said: "I've been very closely involved with ETA for several years now and have seen their excellent work at first hand. The success they have had with their mental health project is a perfect example and I can't think of many more deserving recipients for this reception."