A REPORT published this week is calling on Cheshire Probation Service to make some improvements to its work.

The county-wide Cheshire Offender Management Inspection was carried out earlier this year and, while it has praised the strengths of the probation service which covers the town, it also states work needs to be carried out to improve other areas.

The report's main findings are: l Court reports contributed positively to the sentencing process.

l Constructive interventions were found to encourage offenders to accept responsibility for their offending, however there were significant gaps in provision to address need, particularly in relation to alcohol misuse.

l Achievement of sentencing objectives was strong in most cases and resources allocated had been consistent with the assessed risk of harm and likelihood of reoffending.

l The resources invested in the area's performance and quality assurance unit produced demonstrable benefits in an impressive approach to monitoring, evaluation and review to improve performance.

l Assessment, planning and review of risk of harm was too often late and work with offenders on victims issues was underdeveloped.