ANDOVER-based Testway Housing, which was formed from Test Valley’s council housing stock, has ceased to exist as a separate body.

After a decade of serving the local community Testway has merged with two of its sister companies to form a new single business called Aster Communities, based in Devizes.

Aster Communities, brings together Testway, which still has offices at Greenwich Way, Andover, with Sarsen Housing Association, based in Wiltshire, and Flourish Homes in Somerset.

The new organisation says the merger has taken place following extensive consultation with customers and approval from shareholders.

It is expected the merger will generate additional funding capacity of £25 million which can be invested in developing services for customers, building new homes and improving existing properties.

Read the full story in this week's paper.