STRATFORD District Council is licking its wounds in the wake of a damning report by government inspectors.

The CPA (comprehensive performance assessment) report was published on Thursday following a week-long investigation into the running of the authority, which covers Studley and Alcester, in July.

The report has concluded the council is weak, scoring only 31 points out of a possible 60.

One point less and it would have fallen into the lowest category, poor.

The situation is so bad, both chief executive Paul Lankester and Conservative leader of the council Chris Saint considered resigning.

But Mr Lankester was advised by the inspectors to stay and Mr Saint says the electorate will decide in due course whether he should stay.

The findings came as no surprise to the Liberal Democrat group leader, Studley councillor Hazel Wright, who said: "The writing was on the wall and how they failed to see it, I don't know."

Mrs Wright has written to Mr Saint, offering to work together.

"The Conservatives must start listening to residents and start using the talents of all councillors, regardless of party.

"I'm fully committed to doing everything possible to get the running of the district council back on a proper footing."

Bidford's Independent councillor Kim James said he was disappointed with the report and had not expected the result to be quite as bad.

"It is up to everyone to take ownership of the report and address the issues. We need to work together, members and staff, to resolve it very quickly.

"We need a strong political leadership and constructive, but not destructive, opposition."

The report blames lack of co-operation between officers and councillors for many of the council's failings, commenting on in-fighting and inappropriate behaviour.

Focus and decision-making were also among the weaknesses, along with a deterioration in housing services

There were some good points, including the fact the council is now in a sound financial position following the sale of its housing stock in 1996, although since then it has not focused well on its role as a housing authority, the report says.

And in public health, there has been a positive move with the new leisure facilities in Studley and Shipston.

The council scored its highest mark through its achievement in quality of service, where it was praised for its good provision of young people's activities.

It also scored well for its success in encouraging businesses (with reference to the incubation centre at Minerva Mill, Alcester) and the fact streets, parks and play areas are clean and well maintained.

But there were far more weaknesses than strengths.

Mr Saint said: "The result is very disappointing but it will ensure we focus now on what matters both in terms of the government's and local priorities.

"But we must also build on the report's positive findings, for instance, we have competent senior politicians, committed and loyal officers at all levels and demonstrate good consultation with wide awareness of our priorities.

"We have to learn as a council the lessons from the CPA inspection, which shows the government's expectation to be that local authorities will provide more than just good local services."