A HOUSING initiative which sparked controversy when work began has scooped a national award.

The Deighton and Brackenhall Initiative faced stiff opposition back in the late 1990s when plans to move more than 400 tenants out of their homes were announced.

But now Kirklees Council and developer Southdale Homes are celebrating after winning the prestigious Best Partnership Development at the What House? Awards.

More than 350 decaying council homes were bulldozed and replaced by 520 new private properties including 100 housing association.

Before work started in 2002, 200 homes were empty.

But now Peter Beck, regeneration manager for the project, says the whole area has changed.

"The staff have worked so hard to make this project a success and they should be very proud to receive this award," he said.

"Yes we have had our hiccups and problems and people said it would not work.

"But now I think it is clear that they were wrong.

"The change is staggering and I am very proud of my them."

Mr Beck also praised residents for their support and said he was pleased at the amount of people who had stayed in the area after their homes were demolished.

"About 80% of people wanted to stay local when we started moving them which also says a lot about the community spirit.

"And that is something we have worked hard to keep.

"Now we have people from the remaining council properties working alongside those from the private homes."

Judges praised the initiative - which beat competition from similar projects in Bristol and London - for its integration of new and old residents.

They said: "The venture is a terrific example of how to inject new vigour and purpose in to problem areas.

"The results have had far-reaching effects for the local community. As well as the construction of new homes 25 local people have been employed on the build project with eight taking construction training.

"Community arts projects have been launched and four public open spaces have been created.

"The next phase of the scheme will see full-size and junior football pitches, netball courts, local shops and a new community centre."