WYCHAVON District Council's Housing Services department has been given the highest ranking possible after a recent inspection.

This month Government inspectors dubbed the service "excellent, with excellent prospects for development".

The news comes two years after inspectors said the service was not meeting residents' needs.

Managing director of the council Jack Hegarty said despite the high score there were still some areas for improvemen,t including plans and actions for the private sector.

"We are very proud of this high achievement in such a short space of time," he added.

"Not only have we surpassed our own promise to turn things around in the next five years but we have got the highest possible ranking, which is quite rare.

"And the report is helpful as it sets out the things we need to do to further improve."

A full copy of the final report can be found at www.wychavon.gov.uk