HOUSING chiefs in Fylde are celebrating after their improving service allowed them to escape a 'support and supervision' regime imposed by Government inspectors.

The borough's housing services were put under supervision by the Audit Commission after twice receiving a 'poor' rating in regular inspections.

But, a year on a new report has found that the service provided is now 'fair' and shows 'promising prospects for improvement.'

The service has become the first in the country to have its 'support and supervision' order lifted.

The council's executive member for housing, Cllr Patricia Fieldhouse, said: "We have worked extremely hard to turn our housing services around and today's result is testament to the efforts of everybody who has contributed to these positive developments.

"We still have a great deal of work to do but now we know that we're travelling in the right direction, we are very excited about continuing to improve for the benefit of local people."

Nick Atkin, Audit Commission head of housing for the north, said: "The council faces a number of challenges.

"There is a need for a greater focus on the diversity of customers in planning and delivering services as well as the need to develop some service areas and to improve administration and management.

"However, the council continues to make improvements and the service already has a number of positive features.

"Overall, we believe that whilst the service has improved since our last inspection and has increasing customer focus, there is still much to be done."

New innovations include a housing advice and information service providing advice on accommodation issues and guidance on renting for landlords and tenants, as well as a landlord accreditation scheme.