A REVOLUTIONARY homes-to-let scheme, launched this week, is set to change the face of rented housing in Blackburn and Darwen.

The "B-with-us" initiative is aimed at ending waiting lists -- from now on potential tenants will be able to choose where they want to live.

It has been introduced after Blackburn with Darwen Council won £450,000 from the government for a two-year pilot project to implement a more customer-focused approach to the letting of social housing.

B-with-us is a partnership between the seven housing associations in the borough and is supported by the local authority, which sold off its housing stock to Twin Valley Homes in 2000.

From next month, the 300-plus empty homes for rent will be advertised through a variety of different outlets -- the Lancashire Evening Telegraph's weekly Homes supplement, the internet and at high visibility locations through the community.

The necessary membership of the scheme has been opened and the first set of homes will be advertised on July 10. The pilot scheme will run for nine months and will continue if successful.

Project manager Rob Grigorjevs commented: "For the first time a wide selection of quality homes will be easily available and customers will have a real say in where they want to live. This should create stronger and more stable communities.

"There is no catch with choice-based lettings. This is a major change that will provide benefits for all those involved.

"It will turn rented housing on its head because customers will now have an active role in deciding where they want to live. They can see what properties are available -- just as they would with an estate agent."