The regeneration services provided by Dover District Council are "good" and have "promising prospects for improvement", according to an independent report released by the Audit Commission.

On a scale from zero to three stars the Audit Commission inspection team gave the service a two-star rating.

This was because the council had secured real improvements in the quality of life for local people through social, physical and environmental regeneration, and has developed strong partnerships with other organisations to plan and prepare for further significant regeneration.

Claire Bryce-Smith, Audit Commission senior manager, said: "The council’s work in the coalfield area, in some of the more deprived communities, and on the waterfront developments in both Dover and Deal, have provided real improvements for local people.

"All this offers a good platform to move towards the implementation of the ambitious vision the council and its partners have agreed for the town of Dover as a whole. The real test is to maintain momentum despite the economic challenges facing the country."

This inspection focused on the council’s strategic work to deliver its ambitions to regenerate the area.

To help the service improve still further, inspectors made a number of recommendations including more promotion of the local heritage, making effective use of assets like leisure centres, and maximising community benefits from developers, demonstrating value for money by measuring, comparing and evaluating the cost and outcomes from regeneration work and adopting a strategic and consistent approach, linked to the East Kent Partnership LSP objectives, to encouraging people back into work.

* Copies of the report are available from the district council or from the Audit Commission website at www.audit-commission.gov.uk/reports.