In a national first Warwickshire County Council’s Rural Estate Management Team have been given the thumbs up by independent property experts Bruton Knowles.

An audit team from Bruton Knowles reviewed the process over a six month period, examining the work methods and management techniques of the five people who make up the Rural Estate Team.

No other council has pitched itself against other local authorities and the private sector to see how they ranked in terms of good working practices.

Peter Ridley, Director of Property Services, is delighted with the report:

"I think the report is a tribute to the dedication and hard work of the Rural Estate Management Team and to the support and encouragement of the members of the Smallholdings Tenants Sub-Committee.

"The report proves that we provide a quality service and that we offer good value for money. Whilst we can’t be complacent, I think this does show that we are on the right track!"

Fact File

Five facts about what the Rural Estate Management Team do:

• Maintains 59 small holdings – the report particularly praised the team for the successful management and maintenance of these properties.

• The 4 Foresters who manage the Council’s woodlands were commended for the good working practices.

• The farms source a rent income of £465, 000 per year.

• A new farmhouse was built in Dunchurch in 1997 at a cost of £92,000.

• The Smallholdings Tenants Sub-Committee of 5 members includes two farmers and a member whose family background is farming in India.