CHIEF Constable Pauline Clare has received a vote of confidence in Lancashire Police's annual inspection report- just 12 months after she was given a pre-Christmas roasting.

But Mrs Clare, who has revealed she will bid for Home Office cash made available by Home Secretary and Blackburn MP Jack Straw for extra officers early in the New Year, has been told there is still room for improvement.

Mrs Clare revealed the move for more bobbies, and also announced a continuing fall in crime rates in the county, on the day Her Majesty's Inspector's report on the constabulary was published.

Last year's report blasted Lancashire police force, saying it was badly managed, too many changes had been introduced at the same time and morale among officers was poor.

But this time around the report makes much happier reading for Mrs Clare and her officers.

The report comes on top of the news that crime in the county fell by 8.9 per cent in the last six months and public disorder and traffic accidents by a similar amount.

Independent inspector Dan Crompton visited the force last August.

Mr Crompton said: "A primary inspection in 1998 at the height of the change programme found a force struggling to come to terms not only with the enormity of the structural and cultural changes taking place, but also the sheer pace at which they were being implemented. "Her Majesty's Inspector is happy to record his confidence in the force and its leadership.

"In my professional opinion, Lancashire Constabulary has improved the delivery of an effective and efficient policing service to the community."

The inspector goes on to say there is still room for improvement and has made nine formal recommendations.

Mrs Clare said: "The tough report last year made sure we took stock and I think we have moved forward in a more focused way.

"We still have a lot to do and there are many new challenges ahead because of national and local issues, but I am very grateful for the hard work and support of all our officers and support staff.

"We are in good shape for the start of the new Millennium."

Police authority chairman Dr Ruth Henig added: "I am very pleased with the way that improvements have been made to the constabulary and I am delighted this has been recognised by the inspectorate."

The cash bid to pay for more officers goes into the Home Office early in the New Year and an answer is expected by the end of January.

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