SUCCESS and achievement were the themes of the annual report presented by the leader of Halton Council, Tony McDermott this week.

Amid much change and a hectic schedule, he said, many problems had been overcome through partnership and hard work.

Spending in education and social services had been increased to enhance community services.

The new council cabinet structure - the biggest ever shake up of local government - had been hailed a success.

Cllr Tony McDermott said: "There has been a step change in the speed and effectiveness of the decision making process which has attracted considerable attention from other authorities.

"We have increased spending in real terms on both education and social services, in the latter instance applying new resources to plug gaps in the services inherited from Cheshire and to enhance significantly local provision."

The serious problem of surplus school places had been tackled along with a review of the youth service.

The OFSTED inspection of the LEA and SSI inspection of the council's registration and inspection services had been "worked through successfully."

"We have successfully won all the recent CCT contract bids with the exception of leisure and management," said Cllr McDermott. "In all cases, cost savings have been secured without reductions in service quality."

He said town centres continue to pose challenges but prospects are encouraging.

Currys, Blockbuster, Aldi and Fitness First have opened at Halton Lea, which has improved its tenant mix and attracted more shoppers.

"In Runcorn Old Town, the major infrastructure improvements are nearing completion. Negotiations with new retailers are at an advanced stage and work will start this year to build the new shops.

"The arts centre lottery application was approved and will pave the way for the development to be finished by late 2002, capping a huge change in the Old Town's fortunes.

"In Widnes, we await the decision of Government on the Asda planning application. If approved, the way will be cleared for the next phase in Widnes's regeneration and for a huge further investment in town centre retailing, car parking and public transport."

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.