A PREVIOUSLY under-performing housing department in Hartlepool is improving, according to an audit report.

An Audit Commission report into repairs and maintenance carried out by Hartlepool Borough Council said it was a fair service which showed promising signs of improvement.

The Housing Inspectorate gave the department a one star rating, out of a possible three, praising it for customer satisfaction with repairs, but criticising it for having a poor appointments system and inflexible office opening hours.

Nick Atkin, acting lead housing inspector at the commission, said: "Tenants have clearly recognised that there is a marked improvement in services and standards of customer care and there is a clear focus on involving customers in the delivery and improvement of services.

"However, Hartlepool Council now needs to focus on longer term improvements and clearly set out how these will be financed.

"It must also overcome its occasional caution, which can delay the introduction of improvements."

The report also set out a number of recommendations, including improving the appointments system, reviewing neighbourhood office opening hours and ensuring repairs continue after council houses have been transferred to a registered social landlord.

The council manages around 8,200 homes through its neighbourhood services department.