ARSON-TACKLING emergency services and councils are being cautioned that, while they are doing a good job, there remains a big challenge.

The sobering message for authorities on Teesside comes from the independent Audit Commission.

Steve Nicklin, Audit Commission senior manager, said: "The level of arson and deliberate fire-setting on Teesside is still worse than in most areas of the country and remains a big challenge.

"However, there have been quite dramatic improvements. For instance, the number of large fires - excluding vehicles - has gone down by 40 per cent over the past three years. This kind of reduction shows how improved partnership-working is making an impact'

"The partners are all really committed to working together. They share information and coordinate their actions well."

But he added: "As ever, there is still room for further improvement, and this is recognised by the different agencies.''

He said everyone concerned was committed to making a significant impact in reducing deliberate fires, with a good sharing of information and communications, based on detailed intelligence.

His report states: "There is room for further improvement - for example, in some elements of shared planning and in the clarity with which different roles and responsibilities are set out.''

Mr Nicklin's report and recommendations come days after Cleveland Fire Brigade and Middlesbrough Council announced they were teaming up to remove dumped cars before they could be torched.

There were 11 vehicle fires last month in the Grove Hill area of Middlesbrough, with none in June and only nine between January and May.