CRITICISM in a government report about the way services are run in Three Rivers District Council has been rejected by the council's chief executive.

He also warned the council there is a danger of "being too honest" when assisting the government inspectors with their report.

The report published by the Audit Commission said there was a lack of playing fields and play areas in the district and little sign of improvement.

The commission's slighting of the council was not accepted at the council's executive committee meeting on Monday, June 17.

The 2001 Outdoor auditor's report gave the council "one star" for service and said the prospect for improvement was poor. these findings were refuted by council chief executive Mr Alastair Robertson.

The report criticised the council for providing fewer sports pitches and play areas than other councils. It said most playing areas did not meet national standards and that the council had failed to consult with the public.

The council said it did not consult formally with users such as dog walkers and ramblers, but resid- ents could raise issues at Local Area Forums.

On the issue of providing playing fields, the council many facilities had been transferred to parish councils. If these were taken into account the council exceeds the "English Districts" average.

Mr Robertson said: "They have the habit of taking the most negative conclusions and looking in a negative way.

"Others have come and praised us for not trying to massage the message, but there is clearly a danger we can be too honest for our own good."

June 28, 2002 12:30