A COUNCIL'S housing staff are to be groomed to professional standards by an independent estate agent.

A two-day training programme for 'front line' ???staff in Blackburn Council's housing department will concentrate on developing 'interpersonal skills' and sales techniques.

The move is the latest in a bid to tempt more tenants to take up the offer of council properties.

It is the brainchild of private marketing and public relations consultants SPA Associates, which the council is paying to develop the image of its Roman Road estate.

SPA's Karen O'Connor explained: "Independent estate agent Ian Burnett, who has a wealth of experience in training sales staff, will be developing the concept of the power of behaviour, focusing on being better equipped to deal with the public."

The first part of the course will cover face to face contact, telephone manner, body language and the choice and use of behaviour and language.

Day two will concentrate on sales orientation.

It will highlight how to prepare the way for a successful tenancy by explaining the benefits of the property, area and amenities to the prospective tenants.

"Presently, the staff working in the area housing offices carry out a predominantly administrative role," explained Mr Burnett.

"Research identified that the attitude of a member of staff dealing with a housing inquiry, usually the public's first point of contact, can greatly affect the behaviour and response of the prospective tenant.

"The local authority has been forward-thinking in accepting that it is working within a very competitive environment.

"By adopting this modern approach to training, the housing department is continuing to prove it is commitment."

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