A BEST value review of Stockton Borough Council's cleansing and ground maintenance service has found the authority provides a fair service.

The review, which was carried out by the Audit Commission, expects the service to attain performance levels in line with the top 25 per cent of unitary authorities given the strength of proposals drawn up by councillors, workforce members, managers and residents.

The Care for Your Area services reviewed included refuse collection, street cleansing, grass cutting and associated horticultural work, litter education and enforcement and dog fouling.

In a week-long inspection, many improvements were already found to have been put in place, principally the establishment of area-based cleansing teams, whose work has had a visible impact on the cleanliness of the borough.

Councillor Geoff Field, who is the authority's cabinet member, said: "We were in a sorry state this time last year, but we've risen to the challenge and recognised that improved services for the public is what best value is all about."