COUNCIL bosses have expressed disappointment after government inspectors decided their authority deserved only a 'fair' rating.

Ribble Valley Council appealed twice against the decision -- claiming it had just been one point off being 'good.'

The Comprehensive Performance Assessment (CPA)has replaced a multitude of inspections councils used to undergo.

Ribble Valley appealed over the original findings, claiming it should have received more marks for 'performance management' as so many of it services were seen to be performing well. The Audit Commission agreed, but docked a point elsewhere.

Council chief executive Dave Morris said: "We are disappointed that we have not been given the extra point necessary to take us into the good bracket.

"But we are satisfied to have received a fair grade."

There is a five-tier grading system, ranging from poor -- the worst -- through weak, fair and good to excellent for the best.

Strengths include that its main services are of high quality which help improve the quality of peoples' lives.

It also takes its role as a community leader seriously and has ambitious plans for the future, while having a good understanding of its strengths and weaknesses.

The authority also works well with other agencies both inside and outside the borough.

But it is deemed to have too many priorities, and is overstretched in some areas, while its ambitious plans are often lacking in clarity.

Staffing structures could also be improved to tackle many of the issues raised.

Council leader Chris Holtom said: "We are not complacent and we will continue to work hard to improve our delivery to Ribble Valley residents."