GOVERNMENT inspectors praise Hyndburn Council's services for the elderly, in a report published this week.

The inspection was carried out as part of the Government's Best Value for Local Government audit, which checks if services are delivered economically, efficiently and effectively.

The report said there were "high levels" of customer satisfaction in its 3,800 homes across the borough.

It also said the Council's wardens work well with social services care and support services. The warden call centre provides a 24-hour service and is staffed by eight part time call centre staff and is used by 2,700 people.

The housing inspection team gave the service two stars, against the maximum rating of three.

However, there was some criticism, including what the inspectors said was an inadequate distribution of information about the service, and a failure to make the complaints procedures easier to access.

The public was also inadequately informed of standards for service, said the report.

Chief inspector of housing Roy Irwin said: "Hyndburn Borough Council provides good elderly services and takes its role seriously.

"There are links between the council's key objectives and social services and the health authority which will now need to be developed further."

Copies of the report are available from Hyndburn Council or on the best Value Website at www.bestvaluein

spections.gov.uk.