EFFORTS to improve council homes in Leigh have been given the thumbs-up.

A year ago, the arms-length company that manages 25,000 houses, won £58 million of government cash to finance a modernisation programme.

Regeneration panel members heard that tenant satisfaction rates were high, with contractors scoring more than 90 per cent for attitude, tidiness, information and the finished work.

Wigan & Leigh Housing was commended for its administration and communication with tenants. Members were told the council's half-yearly inspection of Wigan & Leigh Housing's performance was encouraging, especially with regard to reducing in the number of vacant houses and the length of time they are empty.

The company made good progress in reducing rent arrears, achieving a reduction of more than £250,000 in 2002-03.