It all began in 1993 the Cotterills Farm Tenants and Residents Group were very disillusioned with the Housing Service from the Local Authority. Therefore the group believed that they could deliver a far better service to the residents of the estate.

Therefore in 1995 the group served the Right to Manage on the Metropolitan of Sandwell and commenced with an extensive development and training programme.

The first ballot was held in March 1997 received 86% yes vote in favour of the Tenant Management.

The Co-operative seconded two members of Staff from the Local Authority and employed one direct employee and the office was opened in September 1998.

Prior to the first ballot the Committee had worked very hard and negotiated with Sandwell Council to secure funding for a PVC window/ door programme and central heating. The Cotterills Farm Estate was one of the first in Tipton to have the new PVC windows and doors fitted.

The Committee also worked in partnership with Sandwell Council and which is now Sandwell Homes to ensure and quality repairs service delivered and reduced waiting times for the repairs.

The Co-operative continued to deliver excellent service to the residents of Cotterills Farm Estate as the second ballot showed in April 2001. The Co-operative received a unanimous 98% yes vote.

In order sustain the Co-operative the Committee had to look at ways of further development and extending the services they were delivering. After long negotiations with Sandwell Council the Co-operative extended the service to managing the rent service (in 2004).

The Co-operative had its third successful ballot in June 2007 with a 94% yes vote and now continuing to deliver and excellent fully comprehensive service to the Cotterills Farm Residents.