INSPECTORS say Durham City Council's leisure services are good but prospects for improvement are uncertain.

The Audit Commission awarded two out of a possible three stars to the Liberal Democrat-run authority after running the rule over the service, which operates a swimming pool and five sports centres and community halls.

Inspectors praised good quality front-line services delivered by committed and well-trained staff, strong leadership and the combination of leisure and environmental services.

But they also said that service standards were not clear to users and that pricing and access policies did not "help to include all of the district's residents''.

They also said there was uncertainty about the council's ability to sustain and improve the service within its financial constraints.

The inspectors recommended that the council publicise service standards, improve its marketing and produce a clear plan for future development.

Sarah Diggle, the Audit Commission senior manager, said: "Durham City Council is providing good, front-line services that are helping to make a difference to people's lives in the district.

"The services are responsive to the needs of local people, but there's more work to be done on the council's approach to pricing, physical access and customer standards to ensure everyone is able to enjoy high quality, leisure opportunities.

"Above all, there's the need to develop a clear vision for the future of these services so that everyone knows what the council is trying to achieve in the long-term."

No one was available for comment at the council on Friday.