A TEESSIDE council has been praised for the way it interacts with local residents to produce its vision for the future.

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's approach to community planning is "good" and there are "promising prospects" for improvements, according to an independent report.

The Audit Commission inspection team gave the service two stars out of a possible three because the council has shown a good understanding of its communities, provides good support for the Local Strategic Partnership (LSP) and carries out effective consultation.

Steve Nicklin, Audit Commission senior manager, said: "The council listens to the views of its residents and provides good support for voluntary and community sector organisations. In partnership with others it is achieving successes in a number of areas including the Sure Start programme and initiatives to tackle crime and the fear of crime.

"Councillors, managers and staff are clear about their priorities and committed to delivering the community strategy."

The inspectors found it had a clear vision and priorities for the borough are reflected in the council's strategic and service plans. The council's input to the Local Strategic Partnership has been important in securing achievements.

The report also highlights the evidence of consultation, including refugee families and young people. However, it says work has still to be done to review the local neighbourhood renewal strategy and develop action plans to support the community strategy.

To help the service to improve, inspectors made some recommendations, including one to develop a project plan for the completion of community strategy action planning and ensure that this reflects the need to consult with local communities on the revised Local Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy.

The council's cabinet chairman, Eric Empson, said: "We are pleased the commission recognises the work done in listening to the community.

"We have already recognised the need to improve and are implementing action to tackle it. We are always willing to improve and welcome input."