A HOUSING strategy and business plan to be put before councillors tomorrow marks a fresh start for a district's 5,850 tenants.

Wear Valley's housing director Michael Laing is asking for backing for changes which, he says, will improve a key service in the most deprived rural district in England.

Two of its wards have some of the worst housing in the country and generally, people in Wear Valley earn less, have fewer job opportunities and have poor health and education records.

But cuts in Government funding last year meant the department had to save £600,000 by shedding ten jobs and cutting its residential warden service for the elderly and infirm.

Fewer people are applying for homes and in some areas empty, unpopular, homes are being bulldozed.

Tenants, parish councils and community groups have contributed to the new strategy which, says Mr Laing, will help reverse the decline by meeting changing housing needs and attracting investment.

It aims to maximise income from rents, allocate homes fairly on the basis of need, and community sustainability, manage the service well and provide properties which are in a good state of repair, warm, comfortable and energy-efficient.

The council is addressing problems of anti-social behaviour on estates and wants to involve tenants through extra resources, training and newsletters.

It is working with outside groups, including housing associations, to cater for the elderly, the disabled, homeless young people and single teenage parents.

Millions of pounds in Government and other funding is being spent on housing renewal, sports action and healthy living initiatives as well as major Single Regeneration Budget programmes around Bishop Auckland, Crook, Willington and Tow Law.

Council leader Olive Brown said: "It is a time of new beginnings in Wear Valley. We have started a process of radical change and renewal.

"Wear Valley faces major challenges, but we will overcome them with determination, skill and enthusiasm. We will work with our community to find practical solutions."