MAIDSTONE'S waste collection and recycling services have been given a positive review by Government watchdog the Audit Commission.

The services, run by Maidstone Borough Council, have been awarded a 'good' two-star rating and have been credited with showing promising signs of improvement.

The report looked at household waste collection, abandoned vehicles, fly tipping and recycling, and included a week-long inspection of how well services were carried out in the town.

And the inspection resulted in positive findings by the Audit Commission whose report says that the waste and recycling services show clear aims, are well received by the public, deal with complaints effectively and meet their recycling targets.

However, Maidstone's performance was considered average when compared to other local councils and the Audit Commission suggested that the council could make improvements if it worked hard to reduce the number of bins missed and if it improved its ability to analyse incoming calls.

Cabinet member for health and the environment Cllr Roger Berriman (Labour) says that he is pleased with the report.

"It shows that we are working harder than ever for a clean and tidy borough. It highlights the areas where we can do even better and recognises that we are determined to do even better," he said.

The Audit Commission's report added: "We would like to thank the staff of Maidstone Borough Council, who made us welcome and who met our requests efficiently and courteously."