A COUNCIL has pledged to improve its service after damning criticism from the Audit Commission.

Chester-le-Street District Council's performance between 2000 and 2003 was described as "poor" in the Comprehensive Performance Assessment (CPA) released on Thursday.

Yesterday, leaders said the problems arose because of how the organisation had been managed in the past.

They said the council elected last year was making changes, pledging to turn around the fortunes of its troubled housing department and give tenants more of a say as well as tackling problems with staffing at the council

Council leader Councillor Linda Ebbatson said: "The council sees the CPA judgement as fair and accurate.

"We can admit that mistakes were made but there is no reason to repeat them and every reason to correct them."

Durham North MP Kevan Jones said he had faith in the new leadership at the council.

Meanwhile, Easington District Council was celebrating receiving an "excellent'' rating.

The assessment found the council to be "ambitious to regenerate the district'' and found it providing strong leadership, its councillors and staff well-motivated and to be working effectively in partnership.

A joint statement by its leader, Coun Alan Napier, and chief executive, Paul Wilding, released yesterday said: "We are working hard to ensure that housing conditions, crime and the fear of crime, anti social behaviour and clean streets are at the top of our agenda.''