North Shropshire District Council has been named as the most improved authority of its kind across the country.

It has rapidly stepped up its performance since 2004 when it was labelled “poor”, according to a report from a national watchdog.

The Audit Commission says 81 per cent of indicators have improved between 2004 and 2006, while value for money offered by the council is “increasing rapidly”.

And in 39 per cent of the areas judged it is now performing among the best in the country.

The watchdog’s latest findings are presented in a report to go before a meeting of the council on Friday.

It says the improvements have allowed officers to secure funding for further improvements, including a £265,000 planning delivery grant.

The report states: “The council now has a long-term vision for the district, our priorities are clear, plans for improvement and change are in place and decision making is improved.

“The council has moved quickly from recovery to improvement.” It has “re-focused decision making” and developed “a new culture of rigor and discipline”, the report continues.

One of the key achievements highlighted to councillors is that in the year 2005/2006 the council saved £458,000 against a Government target of £229,000.

The authority has been monitored closely by central government since 2004 when it was rated “poor” .

Officers now hope to continue the improvement and “move the council out of engagement with the Department of Communities and Local Government”.