The independent Improvement and Development Agency has just published a report that says the council has made ‘significant improvement’ and its track record in physical regeneration in Gainsborough and throughout the district is ‘impressive’.

West Lindsey Council chief executive Duncan Sharkey said the findings of the report were very encouraging although he recognised there was still work to be done.

“It is always pleasing when an independent team inspects the authority’s work and reports that we have made a good improvement,” said Mr Sharkey. ”However, we are not complacent and we know there are areas where we can do better and we will strive to achieve this.”

The inspection and report, funded by the East Midlands Improvement Partnership, came following the Comprehensive Performance Assessment in 2004 – a process that measured all councils against set criteria which gave a ranking on a scale from excellent to weak.

West Lindsey was judged to be ‘fair’ but now – four years on – inspectors have found things much improved and have identified ways in which things can get even better.

“The inspectors toured the district, met with political leaders and senior management of the council, talked to staff and to external groups and key stakeholders,” said Mr Sharkey.

“It was a demanding four day process from which we can take a lot of satisfaction and take on board suggestions of how we can do even better.”

The report says: “West Lindsey District Council is clearly ambitious. This can be recognised by its vision for itself and the area, its impressive programme of physical regeneration in Gainsborough and elsewhere in the district, and the way it has engaged with partner agencies in a number of areas.”

“The vision for the council and the role it should play both within the district and within Lincolnshire are shared by members and officers and widely understood by staff and partners. The council can demonstrate significant improvement since its Comprehensive Performance Assessment in 2004 and the changes in its culture are recognised and welcomed by members, staff and partners.”

The authority was praised for redirecting resources to address priorities and for embracing the Lincolnshire Shared Services Partnership – a process which sees councils across Lincolnshire sharing the charges for areas which already include legal fees and procurement.

West Lindsey was also praised for its response to last summer’s floods and mention was made of the improvements in benefits and administration and in waste management.