SO far so good - that's the verdict of Her Majesty's Inspector in his annual report on Lancashire Constabulary.

The report depicts the Force as efficient and effective, and serving the community well - an improvement on last year's damning results.

Despite failing to meet all of the ten targets the Lancashire Police Authority had set, government inspector Dan Crompton said he was happy to support the constabulary.

Just 16 months ago Lancashire Police was blasted for its leadership style and lack of consultation over its reorganisation, which had reportedly left staff unsettled.

But this year Mr Crompton praised its revised approach, which has partly decentralised power from headquarters to the county's six divisions.

Mr Crompton's report reads: "A primary inspection in 1998, at the height of the change programme, found a force struggling to cope with the structural and cultural changes taking place, and the sheer pace at which they were implemented.

"The follow-up inspection concluded that the Force had responded openly, honestly and positively to the recommendations."

Mr Crompton praised the constabulary's action in reducing road casualties, recruiting staff from ethnic communities, and introducing crime prevention initiatives. He also applauded the work of crime analysts.

The report asked for no budget cuts in the major crimes unit, a request which has now been agreed by Chief Constable Pauline Clare.

She has promised a budget increase of almost four per cent next year, ensuring cuts are kept to a minimum.

Mrs Clare said: "This kind of scrutiny of our progress is very helpful and I am pleased the HMI has highlighted the many positive aspects of our work."

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