WEST Dorset is a safe place to live and visit, according to a report released today by the Audit Commission.

Inspectors who visited West Dorset District Council to examine the impact the authority has in helping to reduce crime said it provides a good community safety service with promising prospects for improvement.

And on a scale of zero to three stars, the council was given two stars for its community safety service.

The council gained the rating for its good quality service, the range of activities and initiatives related to community safety and because crime and disorder is relatively low in West Dorset.

Inspectors said that prospects for the service becoming excellent are promising but a key area for the council to improve would be the fear of crime.

They said the fear of crime remains disproportionately high, especially when compared to the low levels of actual crime and disorder.

Martin Robinson, Audit Commission senior manager, said: "The council has improved its community safety service and works well with its partners to make a very positive input into reducing crime and disorder and improving community safety.

"The council's focus on community safety has improved and is appropriate for a low crime area. Good use is being made of anti-social behaviour remedies and in addressing town centre crime. However, further work is needed by the council to assess and reduce the public's fear of crime."

The inspectors found that:

The district is a very safe place to live and visit when compared nationally

The council is clear about its broad aims for community safety

Good progress has been made in ensuring that community safety is addressed across the council's services

The council maintains the quality and cleanliness of the district and is aware of the key link of this to community safety

It has a good track record in delivering community safety improvement initiatives.

Coun Robert Gould, leader of the district council, said he welcomed the report and the findings.

He said: "I am especially pleased that they recognised the work of our community safety team and other staff.

"Even though West Dorset is a relatively low crime area, we'll use findings and suggestions in the report to help us improve our service even further."

He said much of the council's work on community service is carried out through the Western Dorset Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership.

The partnership is made up of police and fire services, primary care trusts, county council, Weymouth and Portland Borough Council, and other organisations including the Youth Offending Team and Drug Action Team.