A HOUSING group which manages properties in Keighley has been shortlisted for two prestigious awards.

Manningham Housing Association is among the contenders in the Northern Housing Awards.

It’s vying for honours in the Landlord of the Year and Resident Support/Advice Programme of the Year categories.

Winners will be announced at a virtual ceremony on May 13.

In the past year, Manningham Housing Association – which owns and manages more than 1,400 homes for over 6,000 residents in Keighley and Bradford – has also received top gradings from the independent regulator.

Plus it has been awarded the Customer Service Excellence quality mark and been officially accredited for its work promoting equality, diversity and inclusion.

“It is a great honour to be shortlisted for two categories in the Northern Housing Awards and especially this year given the additional challenges we have faced because of the pandemic,” said the association’s chief executive, Lee Bloomfield.

“The wellbeing of residents will always be our top priority and staff at all levels have really pulled together to support them, as well as each other.

“Many of our traditional methods of service delivery have had to be placed on hold because of Covid restrictions, with online support packages becoming the new normal.

“The Manningham Housing Association team has really stretched itself on behalf of the local community. I am proud of every single one of them.”

Association chairman Barrington Billings says the shortlisting for the latest awards is “an immense achievement”.

He adds: “It underlines the high regard in which Manningham Housing Association is held, not just in Bradford and Keighley but also much further afield.

“The association has a hard-earned reputation for creative thinking and ambition on behalf of our residents and the neighbourhoods in which we operate.

“A major financial package finalised last year will also enable us to add another 100 affordable homes to our stock over the next four years, so we can directly improve the lives of many more individuals and families.

“This high-profile recognition is thoroughly merited and, on behalf of the board, I offer my heartfelt congratulations to Lee and his team.”