A LEADING councillor has paid tribute to the work of Rossendale Council's interim housing director after she left the authority.

During her time at Rossendale, Hilary Eastham helped reduced rent debts, cut the number of empty homes and ensured Bacup and Stacksteads were included in the multi-million pound 'Elevate' scheme.

The council employed a rent arrears recovery officer until about four years ago - a policy Mrs Eastham renewed after joining the authority temporarily last year.

Statistics presented last week show 96 per cent of rent is now being collected and the number of empty hoses is down from 140 two years ago to 54 last week.

Community services committee chair Coun Alyson Barnes said: "Everyone benefits when rents are paid.

"Hilary was very keen on recovering rent debts and it is now paying off. Total rent debts have fallen by £143,000. High levels of payment mean we have more money for repairs and improvements."

Mrs Eastham, a former housing director at Rochdale Council, has been working for Rossendale for two-and-a-half days per week.

She was recently offered a professorship in housing at Salford University.

She said: "I have really enjoyed my time working at Rossendale.

"I hope my work has gone some way to helping improve the rent system."