A new housing officer for the district is aiming to improve living conditions for residents.

John Hocking has been recruited as the new chief officer for Leeds North West Homes which manages council properties in Otley, Guiseley and Yeadon.

He heads a team of 112 staff who are based mainly in the six existing Neighbourhood Housing offices together with a headquarters office which is being set up at the Lawnswood Business Park in the north west of the city.

The local area housing offices will continue to provide direct services for tenants.

John said: "I see the Arms Length Management Organisations as an opportunity for tenants to increase their involvement in the management of their homes at the same time as retaining the important democratic accountability of local councillors.

"Tenants will also benefit from the knowledge and expertise of independent board members."

One of his main goals is to get at least two stars in the Best Value inspection in July this year.

"Our priorities are to improve homes to a decent standard for all our tenants and to provide a local, customer-driven service," he added.

He is responsible for local Housing Offices and staff, collecting rent, managing estates, letting properties, enforcing tenancy conditions and arranging for day to day repairs to homes.

He is also in charge of managing and arranging for the modernisation and improvement of the homes.

Originally from Lancashire, John graduated with a degree in town planning. He started his career in housing in London, at Southwark Borough Council, in the late 70s. He covered inner city areas in Bermondsey and the Elephant and Castle.

He worked his way up from being employed as a housing trainee to a manager's position.

After a four year stint in London, John moved back to the north, settling in Sheffield. An area manager for Sheffield City Council, John later moved from an inner-city area office to work in the Chief Executive's office where one of his responsibilities included a review of Sheffield's links with Europe.

John later moved further up the country to North Yorkshire, when he was appointed as head of tenant services at York City Council.

After eight years in the position, John moved to Leeds North West Homes in February of this year when the new Arms Length Management Organisation became operational.