TORFAEN tenants can now use text to talk to their housing association. Eastern Valley Housing Association, based in Lower Mill, Pontypool, has introduced an innovative text messaging service in an effort to increase contact between itself and its tenants.

The association is hoping that tenants will use the scheme to tell them about things such as repairs, anti-social behaviour and any other problems they encounter, as well as using it to request information on services the association provides, and requesting help and assistance.

Eastern Valley is one of the first housing associations in Wales to pioneer the ground-breaking service.

Mark Gardner, chief executive of EVHA, said: "What's behind the idea is trying to open up as many new communication channels with our tenants as we possibly can. With everybody appearing to use text messaging these days we thought we would dedicate a mobile phone to people who want to text us.

"Text messages are a cheap and easy way to communicate, and some people even get them free, so we hope this will be a more accessible service to our customers."

Tenants can text the association at any time on 07771951089, and leave their name, number and details. The messages will go directly to Eastern Valley's headquarters where they will be dealt with by staff straight away. Mr Gardner added: "Tenants can text in about absolutely anything they want information on or help with, and we will never miss a text."

A spokeswoman for the association's tenants panel said: "We welcome this innovative scheme because we support widening the means of communication available to tenants."