Ridgehill Housing Association's chief executive has quit her top post blaming the decision on "disagreements in development strategy".

Martina Weitsch, who joined the association in 1996, wanted to expand its focus beyond Hertsmere -- a desire which proved unpopular among the rest of the housing team.

Ridgehill decided to maintain its primary focus on the borough and not to expand further than its boundaries, resulting in the resignation of Ms Weitsch.

She said: "I am sad to leave the association but the chief executive and the board must be at one on development strategy.

"I will be seeking a career with a more expansionist organisation."

The achievements of Ms Weitsch within Ridgehill over the last two years have been commendable.

She was responsible for making board meetings open to the public, maintaining social housing grant levels, improving residents' satisfaction and originating the annual residents' conference.

Despite the questions her resignation may raise to the thousands of Ridgehill tenants in Hertsmere, the association and Ms Weitsch are remaining tight-lipped and reluctant to go into any depth about the situation.

However, chairman Gregory Lomax paid tribute to the work she has done for the association in the short time she was there.

He said: "We are sorry to see Martina go.

"She has made a significant contribution to the organisation during a challenging period and has achieved a great deal in the last two years.

"But Ridgehill was formed to serve the residents of Hertsmere and the board has decided to maintain this tight focus. We would like to thank Martina for all she has done and wish her well."

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