BURY'S rent collectors have dragged themselves from the bottom of the league to the top half.

In one year, the council service has seen its Audit Commission score leap from the worst "poor, no stars" rating to a "good, two stars" one.

Inspectors now say that services are better focused on customers at friendly offices, most of which have hearing loops and ramped access, and offer a wide range of information.

They praised the fact that tenant representatives helped set standards for the rent service and monitoring its progress, and that tenants received quarterly statements on their rent account and other housing matters.

The commission welcomed the range of payment methods available, including Internet banking, direct debit and via telephone out of office hours.

Also cited was the council's partnership work with others to provide co-ordinated benefit and debt counselling services. The council's rent collection was better than many other comparable authorities.

However, the inspectors also recommended that the council trains all staff and tenant representatives in racial equality issues; works towards merging all aspects of the rents service into a single service which has clear customer service standards; and, as a priority, chase up rent owed by former tenants, which stands at £1.2 million.

Councillor John Smith, housing spokesman, said: "Our staff have shown their professionalism and dedication by bringing about these changes and we are confident that we will improve further.

"Where suggestions have been made for further improvements, we will strive to bring them about. This is about providing the best possible service to our customers at a price we can afford."

The inspectors also graded Bury's prospects for improvement as "promising" because of the council's willingness to act.

Mr Nick Atkin, lead housing inspector (northern region), said that Bury had made significant improvement since the last inspection.

"This has resulted in real benefits for customers such as improved access to the service and better benefits advice. This is a real success story. The council is clearly committed to continued improvement. However, there are still changes which could be made to help the service run more smoothly. For example, cashiers could be trained to give general rent and debt advice."