Wellhouse Housing Association has pledged to remain an independent, community-controlled Association as it works towards improving its governance and financial management.

A statutory appointment of a manager by the Scottish Housing Regulator was continued earlier this month to support Wellhouse complete its improvement plan and consolidate recent progress.

Now the Association has confirmed its intention to recruiting a new director and to continue to focus on the wellbeing and needs of its residents.

Improvements at Wellhouse have been underway for the last year and a recent evaluation has applauded the association for exceptional commitment to implementing a comprehensive improvement plan and for the very significant progress achieved in a short time.

The regulator appointed a manager to Wellhouse, using its statutory powers, in December 2014. His evaluation shows that significant weaknesses mainly in governance and financial management have been resolved to the extent that 80 per cent of the improvement plan has now been completed.

The Committee said it is determined that the remainder will be complete by May 2016.

An independent options appraisal has also resulted in Wellhouse deciding to remain a local association while seeking to work more in partnership with its Easterhouse housing association neighbours.

Maureen Morris, chairperson at Wellhouse, said: “Wellhouse HA regrets the weaknesses that led to statutory intervention and we recognise that the appointment of a manager was the right approach in our case. The results are a complete turnaround at the association and in the best interests of our tenants.

“Although it has been an intense and costly period of renewal, we know that sorting our problems will make the association stronger and more cost effective in the long term. We’re looking forward with new motivation and confidence. We remain committed and determined to complete the improvements required and to ensure they apply at Wellhouse for the long-term.”