A COUNCIL leader today pledged improvements after an inspection concluded that it must try harder in several key areas.

Stuart Caddy made the comments following a fundamental review of Burnley Borough Council services carried out by the Improvement and Development Agency.

A team of top-level auditors arrived in Burnley in September to carry out the week-long inspection which was part of the council's efforts to improve its functions after being criticised in a report into last year's riots.

The report, published on Monday, shows that, while the council has improved since last year, it still needs to improve its leadership, community engagement and performance.

The review team described the council as "a positive authority doing well in difficult circumstances" and praised its "obvious commitment to serve all communities in Burnley well."

Areas highlighted for praise were the council's partnership working, treatment of staff, teamwork, funding and finance and strategic objectives.

Leader of the council Stuart Caddy said: "There are unique challenges facing us in Burnley and this report recognises that fact. But it also confirms that as a council, we are heading in the right direction.

"Ou current budget consultation exercise shows that. We have identified our objectives, but we are also listening to the opinions of people right across the borough.

"Exercises like this are important and go to show that we are determined to become a better council."

Council chief executive Gillian Taylor said: "This exercise has given us a unique insight into how we operate as a council. The review team were able to cast an objective and expert eye over us and, while they praised us as a positive council, they also raised a number of tough challenges for us to face.

The review team spent a week meeting and talking with members of the general public and representatives from other organisations as well as a cross-section of elected members and council staff. The Task Force report into the cause of the Burnley riots last year criticised the council for a lack of an overall strategy for the town and weak civic leadership.