PENDLE Council will discuss ways to improve the borough's social welfare advice service next week after the Audit Commission described it as 'fair but with poor prospects of improving'.

The borough's management team will advise members of the executive of the observations and recommendations of the best value inspectors and ask them to consider appropriate action to carry out the recommendations.

The service is partly funded by the authority and provided through five local agencies.

A team of inspectors awarded it one star out of a possible three.

Stephen Barnes, chief executive, said: "Pendle has already an effective service, however improvements can be made through a partnership approach.

"Investment is required and accepted and the approach outlined will provide the momentum to positively respond to the inspector's report."