A SENIOR figure with a Keighley homes group is stepping down at the end of this month.

Barrington Billings has been chair of Manningham Housing Association, which manages more than 1,400 homes in Keighley and Bradford, since 2017.

He has over three decades' experience in the homes sector, and is a former president of the Chartered Institute of Housing.

Tribute is paid by Manningham Housing Association chief executive, Lee Bloomfield.

He says: "Barrington joined us following a regulatory downgrade.

"We needed a leader who could bring strength in governance and a unique blend of experience in both housing and non-executive roles.

"Barrington emerged as the beacon we sought, providing us with the guidance and expertise needed to navigate through challenges and steer our association towards success.

"Under his direction, we have achieved the highest possible gradings from the Regulator of Social Housing and become the first housing association to be officially accredited for our work in promoting equality, diversity and inclusion – alongside numerous other awards.

"Barrington's journey with Manningham Housing Association has been marked by a dedication to excellence, an unwavering commitment to governance best practices, and a wealth of experience that has truly enriched our organisation.

"We cannot adequately express our gratitude for his dedication to the association and the broader community. As we say farewell, we reflect on the positive impact he has had on our organisation and the countless lives touched by his leadership."

Mr Billings said there had been many highlights during his time at the association, and that he was departing in the knowledge it was "in good hands".

He says: "Establishing our community investment strategy and the range of community-based initiatives that followed were proud highlights for me.

"Winning awards and accolades are always welcome, but these are merely recognitions of the critical grassroots work the association has been doing.

"None of this success would have been possible without the solid and transformational leadership of chief executive officer Lee Bloomfield, deputy Ulfat Hussain and director of finance and resources John Kent. Lee and Ulfat have both been there from the start of my time as chair and stood with me shoulder-to-shoulder in the challenging early days of putting our house in order.

"The success of Manningham Housing Association could not have happened without our staff, tenants and customers. The customer panel, led by tenant Cath Bacon, has also been instrumental in scrutinising, reviewing and improving the services we provide.

"I leave knowing the organisation is in good hands."

He will be succeeded as chair by former vice-chair, Rupert Pometsey.