BURNLEY'S council chief wants to take the borough's housing needs to the top level after being appointed to an influential regional body.

Coun Stuart Caddy says he will use his new position on the North West Regional Housing Board (NWRHB) to get a better deal for the borough.

The board has the responsibility to address the most important housing issues across the North West and has almost £500 million of funding from 2004 to 2006.

It also attracts further housing investment and influences ministers on the needs of people in the region.

The Burnley Council leader says his appointment will give the town a new way to influence housing.

Coun Caddy said: "Housing issues must go beyond our own town and reach the doorstep of politicians and decision makers.

"Using this appointment, alongside my experience and understanding of Burnley's housing issues, I aim to ensure the challenges we, and other councils face, are understood at regional level and heard at national level."

The board also ensures that housing is on the agenda of other initiatives to improve the region's economy, including the Regional Economic Strategy, Regional Spatial Strategy and the £100 million Northern Way - a scheme to establish the north of England as an area of exceptional opportunity,.

Coun Caddy added: "Diversity in housing must match the diversity of our culture, long lasting housing must match our longstanding heritage and the quality of housing must match our improving quality of life.

"To create a North West where people genuinely want to live, wor and visit is about much more than houses."