NI's biggest housing association to be created by merger of Fold and Helm

Northern Ireland's largest housing association is to be created with the merger of Fold and Helm Housing Associations.

The deal is subject to final approval and to be completed by early 2017.

The new association would be responsible for managing 12,000 homes.

Liz Cuddy of Helm Housing Associations said: "In times of record levels of housing need, a new and financially stronger provider will be better placed to build more homes.

"We look forward to working with colleagues at Fold in the coming weeks and months to bring this about."

Helm have been involved in merger talks before.

In 2014 it explored a deal with Oaklee Homes and Trinity Housing, but no agreement was made.