I WAS delighted to read (LET, January 26) that Blackburn with Darwen Council's Housing and Neighbourhood Services Department has been awarded the Charter Mark for a second successive time.

This is a total credit to all the housing department for the way they have shown the independent assessors that they provide top-class, quality services.

This award is for recognising and encouraging excellence in public services.

I believe that the independent judging panel visited the council and met tenants to see for themselves the way in which housing staff served the public of Blackburn and Darwen.

I am sure this is not an award that is easily achievable and winning it is a tribute to the department.

This achievement is impressive and it is encouraging to see that Housing Services will now run for six consecutive years under the banner of excellence.

I would like to pass my congratulations to everyone involved. Well done!

TOM RAWAL, Montague Street, Blackburn.

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