A TOWN hall department is being hit by long term absences and sickness.

The problems of Blackburn with Darwen Council highways and engineering department are highlighted in a report to the direct services committee.

Workloads are not being affected but could be later in the year if the situation does not improve.

The council report reads: "The division is being plagued with sickness absences which are at 7.4 per cent.

"Absences are of a fairly long term nature as a result of a variety of problems ranging from broken legs, motor bike accident injuries and long term caring for a seriously ill spouse."

The occupational health unit has been told about the problem and will counsel staff on their return to work.

The report adds: "Such high sickness absence figures are having a detrimental effect on the programming of work and proving a drain on overhead recovery.

"The situation is being kept under constant review."

Other departments run by the town come under review in the monitoring report.

All departments including street cleansing, rubbish collection and transport services are hitting targets.

And a survey of council tenants who have had repairs carried out by the building section revealed more than 95 per cent are happy with the standard of work.

More than half said the work the building services department carried out was excellent and 32 per cent said it was good. Three per cent were unhappy with the council.

The council plans to phone a sample of tenants to see how services can be improved.

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