THE quality environment service provided by Hartlepool Borough Council is good and has excellent prospects for improvement, according to an independent report from the Audit Commission.

The inspection team gave the service two stars because it provides a comprehensive, accessible and reliable refuse collection service, there is an effective waste management strategy and the local environment has benefited from regeneration investment across the town.

Commission inspector Pat Thynne said: "The improvement plan focuses on key customer issues and the council has begun a major re-structure of the services to help ensure they meet customer expectations.

"There is a good track record of working with the community and other prov-iders to make changes and improvements. Successful bids for funding will help to pay for planned improvements such as multi-material kerbside recycling.

"The council is clearly focused on matching the standards of the best performing councils."

The service covers highway maintenance, grounds maintenance, refuse collection, waste disposal, recycling and street cleaning.