LANCASHIRE Probation Service has been told to improve its supervision of offenders, nearly a year after a paedophile absconded after he was put on a train and told to make his own way out of Accrington.

A government inspection -- which covers the period when Schedule One sex offender Michael Wilson was staying at Highfield House bail hostel in Accrington -- has resulted in the service being described as achieving 'just above average levels of performance, but at well below average costs.'

The service has been handed a list of areas where it needs to improve -- starting with raising the standard of supervision planning and risk assessment of offenders.

Both issues came to the fore last September when Wilson was allowed to travel from Accrington to Liverpool by train, unsupervised, after probation staff decided he was too dangerous to stay at Highfield House, Lydia Street. He absconded en-route and was caught three days later at a fish and chip shop in Preston, holding hands with a four-year-old boy.

Following an investigation, Lancashire Probation Service has already been criticised for allowing Wilson to travel by himself. Residents living near Highfield House are also angry that sex offenders are allowed to live there, claiming it makes parents wary about letting their children play out on their own.

Sir Graham Smith, HM chief inspector of Probation, said: "The inspection revealed Lancashire Probation Service achieves above average performance overall at well below average cost.

"However, we have made 20 recommendations and I have ordered a standard follow-up inspection where I expect to see marked improvements.

"They should see this report as providing an opportunity to tackle problems and improve performance in key areas and thus promote the confidence local communities feel in their work."

The service was praised for its sound financial management, its community service schemes and its close-working with the police.

But it has been told to improve the quality of pre-sentence reports, ensure relevant orders are adhered to and to guarantee staff work better with other agencies.

Chief probation officer, John Crawforth, said: "We are not complacent. The report shows our strengths and also where we can improve.

"We accept the recommendations made and will take firm action to see they are implemented."

The probation service refused to comment on the Wilson case.