THE Crown Prosecution Service covering Worcestershire and Herefordshire is cekebrating after improving its performance.

The West Mercia police region's overall performance for 2007 has been rated good' by HM Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate.

This is a step up from the fair' score from its last inspection in 2005, with nine of the 13 key areas having improved' and the other four remaining stable'.

HM Chief Inspector Stephen Wooler said: "Managers and staff have worked hard over the last two years to improve performance in key aspects of the area's work. Our assessment that this is now a good' area reflects that work.

"Some of the benefits of this work are still to be realised fully, in particular an increase in the seizure of criminal assets. Nonetheless I am confident the area will strive to strengthen further the quality of its service to, and engagement with, the communities of Worcestershire and Herefordshire."

The areas judged as improved are: l Pre-charge decision-making l Ensuring successful outcomes at magistrates courts l Leadership l Delivering change l Dealing with sensitive cases and hate crime l Disclosure l Custody time limits l Managing resources l Managing performance to improve.

The stable areas are: l Ensuring successful outcomes at crown courts l Dervice to victims and witnesses l Progressing cases at court l Securing community confidence.

West Mercia's chief crown prosecutor Colin Chapman, who took over from Chris Enzor in October 2007, when the report was carried out, said: "I'm delighted with this recognition of our many improvements in performance.

I hope it provides the people of Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Shropshire with reassurance that we are doing everything to ensure justice is being done and that we are working hard to help them be safe and feel safe in their environment, particularly as our achievement in successful outcomes in the crown court is above the national average.

"I pay tribute to all of my staff for their hard work and commitment in this achievement. Although new to the area, I know just how much work has been invested in it."

However, Mr Chapman added: "Pleasing as the improvement is, I would like to take the opportunity to stress that we are not complacent and that we not only intend to continue with the good work but are determined to build on it and raise our performance further.

"When seeking justice for the victims of crime, I believe there can be no upper limit on what is done."

Lincolnshire Crown Prosecution Service, where Mr Chapman previously worked, has achieved the highest standard of excellent' in the assessment.