THERE has been a name change for a Hereford housing association which has joined forces with another social landlord.

Kemble Housing, based in Berrington Street, will now be known as West Mercia Homes.

The organisation – which manages around 1,300 affordable homes across Herefordshire – joined together with Worcester-based Nexus Housing to form West Mercia Homes in 2013, but they both kept their local trading names.

However, they are now set to trade under a single name to reflect the fact they are now one united team.

The name change came into effect on April 1 following consultation with staff, customers and stakeholders.

Peter Gill, managing director of West Mercia Homes, said: "The change will improve our business in a number of ways – ensuring consistency of approach, greater sharing of best practice and improved flexibility, as well as strengthening team spirit.

"The move also mirrors our staff contracts, customer tenancy agreements and our Board of Management, which all relate to West Mercia Homes.

"Nothing operationally will change from the perspective of our customers and stakeholders. It will continue to be business as usual here but, going forward, we will all be working under one name."